The very vigorous Virginia creeper can not only be used to green house facades, sheds or fences, but also - planted in a sufficiently large bucket - to beautify balconies and terraces. The climbing plant can grow over entire walls, but can also be used as a privacy screen. However, especially when planting on a balcony, some important questions need to be clarified beforehand.

Virginia creeper on the balcony looks beautiful, but it can significantly damage the walls

Virginia creeper on the balcony - what speaks against it

First of all, it should be borne in mind that climbing plants such as Virginia creeper are not permitted on balconies, especially in many rented apartments. The reason for this lies on the one hand in the enormous amount of space required by the very fast-growing plants, but also in the fact that Virginia creeper can cause considerable damage to the structure. The adhesive feet also leave unsightly and difficult-to-remove areas on the subsurface when removed or cut back.

Which Parthenocissus species are suitable for balcony planting

However, this disadvantage can be compensated for by not allowing the Virginia creeper to climb directly up the facade or wall, but instead providing it with a trellis. This should be placed at a sufficient distance from buildings. You can also plant the common vine (Parthenocissus vitacea) instead of the self-climbing Parthenocissus species, which does not develop any adhesive feet and is therefore dependent on a climbing aid from the outset. The significantly smaller species Parthenocissus henryana, Parthenocissus inserta ("princess wine") or the related Cissus rhombifolia ("king's wine") are also suitable for a balcony culture.

What you should pay attention to when planting a container with Parthenocissus

Furthermore, there are other points to consider when planting Virginia creeper in a tub so that the plant grows healthy and strong and does not die again after a short time. First of all, it is important to choose the right location and a suitable bucket. Virginia creeper needs a sunny and warm place on the balcony, which should face south or east if possible. Even if the plant is as bright as possible, the pot should be placed in the shade - otherwise the sensitive roots could overheat. For this reason, it is best to choose a planter made of a natural material, with clay being particularly suitable.

tips

A mixture of compost, sand, clay granules and one or two handfuls of horn shavings (€32.93) can be used as a plant substrate.

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Herbs