Source: Wikimedia Commons
Boston ivy
BeginnerParthenocissus tricuspidata
A deciduous climber of the grape family prized for fiery autumn colour, clinging to walls and trees with adhesive pads on its tendrils. Bonsai use this deciduous 'summer ivy', not evergreen English-type ivy.
About
Tsuta (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a deciduous climber of the grape family growing wild in forests from southern Hokkaido to Kyushu, and in China and Korea. Its name is said to come from tsutau ('to travel along'), as it climbs trees and rocks, sticking with round adhesive pads at its tendril tips. It has spread worldwide—much of the ivy on Western buildings is said to be of Japanese origin. Because it drops its leaves, it is called natsu-zuta ('summer ivy') in contrast to the evergreen kizuta, and bonsai use this deciduous species. Its great appeal is blazing autumn colour; the leaf blades fall first, then the stalks. Leaf shape varies by shoot: leaves on short shoots are larger and 2–3-lobed, while those on long shoots are small and ovate or split into three leaflets. Inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in early summer, and blue-black berries 5–7 mm across ripen around November. The similar Virginia creeper has five leaflets and less vivid colour. In bonsai, pinching produces few twigs, so defoliation and cutting back are used to add branches, and old thickened vines are displayed as the trunk. Tough and easy, it propagates readily from seed or cuttings and is sold by specialist shops as small bonsai.
Size of the Boston ivy
The Boston ivy grows to Vines can exceed 30 m (kept small by pruning as bonsai).
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (southern Hokkaido to Kyushu), China and Korea
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
Vines can exceed 30 m (kept small by pruning as bonsai)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (sparingly May–November, except the rainy season and summer)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Bright, airy spot from spring to the rainy season; move to bright shade in summer, as scorch spoils autumn colour. Full sun from autumn for the best colour
Watering
1–2 times daily in spring, 2–3 in summer mainly morning and evening, every 2–3 days in winter. Avoid summer drought, but water only once dry to prevent root rot
Temperature & overwintering
Cold-hardy, but twigs die back easily in winter, so give protection
Soil & repotting
Repot every 1–2 years in March. Cutting the taproot can kill it—avoid heavy root work and trim only at forks
Fertilizer
Overfeeding delays colour and causes legginess—feed lightly May–November, except the rainy season and summer
Pruning & styling
Pinching yields few twigs. Prune overall in dormancy (Dec–Mar) and cut back in growth for second flushes. Defoliate in June–July for smaller leaves and better colour
Pests & cautions
Tough and easy. Fine twigs often die in winter, so wire only to adjust direction. It is native—buy seed- or cutting-grown plants, not wild-dug ones
Boston ivy FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Boston ivy?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Boston ivy get?
The mature size of Boston ivy is Vines can exceed 30 m (kept small by pruning as bonsai). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Boston ivy?
Boston ivy: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (sparingly May–November, except the rainy season and summer). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Boston ivy?
The price of Boston ivy varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. It is native to Japan—choose nursery-grown plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Bonsai Aged Wood Techniques | Creating Branch Aging Expression and Tree Age Aesthetics
Explains techniques for creating bonsai that appear aged from young stock. Introduces practical methods for expressing tree age aesthetics, from bark texture and branch structure to root development expression and changes over time.
How to Prevent Fertilizer Burn in Bonsai | Determining the Right Fertilizer Amount and Concentration
Why does fertilizer burn occur in bonsai? This explains the mechanism of osmotic pressure, how to identify early symptoms such as browning of leaf tips, why it occurs easily in midsummer and right after repotting, and emergency measures and preventive strategies.
A Guide to Giving Bonsai as Gifts | Appropriate Species and Etiquette for Longevity Celebrations and Business Opening Celebrations
This guide explains how to choose bonsai species and proper etiquette when giving bonsai as gifts for celebrations. It introduces recommended species for different occasions such as longevity celebrations and business opening celebrations, as well as how to choose species while considering management requirements.
Bringing Out the Artistry of Bonsai: Fundamental Techniques in Pruning and Shaping Trees
Master the fundamentals of pruning and shape forming to unveil bonsai artistry. Learn the principles of heavy and light pruning, wiring techniques, how to select bonsai styles and determine the front view, seasonal care schedules, and solutions to common mistakes—all explained step by step.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.