Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Ground cover, Vine

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Dark Green, Purple

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

English Cottage, Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Tropical, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cascade, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

The toughest of the E. fortunei, Purpleleaf Wintercreeper has an ivy-like habit that makes it an outstanding groundcover. It has a spreading, mounding habit that undulates over the ground, trails over rocks or walls, or climbs walls with little clinging roots. It has deep green foliage that turns a rich plum color in the fall. It frequently holds its foliage all winter, but sometimes not, though is generally thought of as evergreen. Moderate grower to about 2 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. The groundcover on the north side of the Main library (just west of the driveway) is purpleleaf wintercreeper.

Plant in sun to mostly shade, in loamy, well draining soil. Rarely requires pruning, though cutting it back can renovate the growth and encourage it to be more dense. It can become invasive, though at a rather slow pace, so avoid its use along riparian corridors where it will out grow native ground covers.