Robusta Boston Ivy

Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Robusta'

Nature Hills Nursery

Vigorous Climber with Stunning Fall Foliage that Transforms from Deep Green to Brilliant Orange-Red
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 30-50 ft Tall, 12-15 ft Wide
Showy White, Green Blooms in Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the best autumn color, plant in full sun (6 or more hours of direct light). While it thrives in partial shade, the foliage will remain more green and produce less of that signature fiery red fall display.
Soil: This vine is adaptable but prefers loamy, well drained soil. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Robusta Boston Ivy twice a week to ensure the roots deeply establish in their new home. Once mature, this vine is quite drought tolerant, though a lack of water during summer dry spells can lead to smaller leaves and a less dense appearance. Aim for deep, infrequent soakings rather than light daily sprinkles to encourage a resilient root system.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant blooms on new wood, you should prune it in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Think of this like a structural haircut: remove any stems that have wandered away from the support surface or are growing over windows and doors. Regular pruning keeps the vine tidy and prevents it from becoming too heavy for the wall or fence it is climbing.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. A single application in spring provides all the energy the vine needs to cover your trellis or masonry with lush greenery.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Hidden Gem Robusta Boston Ivy

Beautiful Autumn Color
Sun/Part Shade
Climbing
Deciduous

Do you need to cover up that ugly fence, tree stump or rock pile? How about a hill that just needs a little something extra? Look no more as you have found your answer with this amazing vine!

Robusta Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Robusta') is a very vigorous, fast-growing climber. Their leaves are three-lobed and a lustrous deep green. In the fall they turn an amazing orange/red color which adds just the right amount of pop to those cool fall days.

Robusta Boston Ivy will have greenish-white flowers that appear in the late spring in the upper leaf axils, that are usually hidden by the beautiful, captivating foliage.

The flowers will give way to round, blue-black berries which are hidden until the leaves have fallen. These are a tasty treat for the birds but they can cause an upset stomach if humans eat them.

Whether you use this vine on a fence or hill you will be happy you decided to go with the Robust Boston Ivy. This Easy to grow, deer resistant and pollinator-friendly shrub will do the job!

Be careful where you plant as the tendrils end in adhesive-like tips, giving this the ability to cement itself to walls and making it difficult to remove.

Robusta Boston performs best in full sun to partial shade and average, dry to medium, well drained soil. Best color in full sun and drought tolerant.

Buy this beauty from Nature Hills today before it's too late!

Botanical Name

Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Robusta'
Class

Vitales
Species

tricuspidata
Cultivar

Robusta
Growing Zones

3-7
Height

30-50 ft
Width

12-15 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color

White, Green
Leaf Color

Green, Red, Orange, Purple
Fall Color

Red, Orange
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i buy boston ivy?

Boston ivy is widely available at garden centers, nurseries, and online plant retailers throughout most growing zones. The vigorous Robusta variety is particularly popular for its fast growth and stunning orange-red fall color. Look for healthy specimens in spring for best establishment before the growing season.

Can you trim ivy plants?

Yes, Boston Ivy can be trimmed and often requires regular pruning to control its vigorous growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Be cautious with wall-attached vines as the adhesive tendrils make removal difficult. Find quality Robusta Boston Ivy at naturehills.com.

When to plant boston ivy?

Plant Boston ivy in spring after the last frost or in early fall, 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. This gives the roots time to establish before winter dormancy. Choose your location carefully since the adhesive tendrils make it difficult to relocate once established.

Is Robusta Boston Ivy deer resistant?

Yes, Robusta Boston Ivy is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas where deer browsing is a concern. This vigorous climber's foliage naturally deters deer while providing beautiful three-lobed green leaves that turn stunning orange-red in fall. Plant it confidently on fences or hillsides where deer frequent, available at naturehills.com.