PlantFiles: Variegated Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'Star Showers'

I had to rate my experience with Star Showers virginia creeper only because after I bought the plant, it died. That would normally be a bad thing, but the following summer [this past July], I was weeding the garden that I created in the same location as my dead Star Showers Virginia creeper, and what did I find growing under some other plants but my 'dead' virginia creeper!
I live in London, Ontario, which is considered zone 5, which is the nothernmost range for this plant. This plant is now doing great, and it is thriving in its new location in my partially shady herb/flower garden. It gets very little sunlight, as it is currently living in the shadow of a deep purple Canna Lilly, which contrasts beautifully against the varigated foliage of the vine.

*** Ever wonder how Virginia Creeper got its name? My best guess is someone from Virginia named it years ago. An old text book I have gives some good info on this plants name. Latin name is Parthenocissus quinquefolia, from greek parthenos (a virgin) and kissos (ivy) referring to the common name Virginia Creeper. The quinquefolia part meens with five leaves (leaflets).

This variety is not as invasive as the regular Virginia Creeper & is very showey. On this website, they also have listed Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'Variegata', which is Variegated Virginia Creeper. I think its the same as this Star Showers variety.

I keep mine potted on a deck.. Most people comment on how great it looks, I would recommend it as this plant is very easy to care for. Virginia Creeper will tolerate almost any kind of soil, as well as drought, heat, wind, air pollution, flooding and exposure. However, it appreciates loamy type soil that is somewhat acid (pH 5.1 to 7.5).

This variety of Virginia Creeper is very showy. Does not grow as fast as the standard the VC plant & it has the same care as the original species. I have two of these plants. One is grown outside in the ground & the other is grown as a bonsai.

Known cultivars as follows...
First we have Engelmanni - Smaller leaves and better clinging characteristics than the standered species. Next is Monham (Star Showers TM) - The leaves have white variegations. The tag that came with my Virginia Creeper says, Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'Monham' Plant Patent No. 10128, Star Showers. The company that grew it is Monrovia, listed out of Azusa, CA 91702. And lastly is Variegata - A less vigorous vine than the species, leaves marked with yellow and white then developing a pink and red fall color.