Virginia Creeper Just planted - was this a bad idea?

bluebell2014

Hello all

I have just planted a virginia creeper, well two infact, against a wall in order to disguise the new brick of the extension that has been built onto the back of a victorian house. I have read conflicting advice on whether it can damage the house. The bricks are all sound, as they are new and there is no cracks or mortar missing. I also planted in a yellow flowered Jasmine plant. And two small normal ivy plants in the same spot. I have just read on the internet that the normal ivy can cause problems. Im not sure if I should remove the ivy?

Anyone had any experience with Virginia Creeper please?

Thank you

I_have_spoken

I've had both, and would get rid of the ivy TBH. It's horrible stuff once it gets going and the roots do penetrate.

Virginia creeper attaches itself by sticking so there's far less chance of damage, at least until it gets to the gutters etc.

kerri_gt

I personally don't like ivy because it can damage bricks and is difficult to remove.

Best advise for the Virginia creeper is to keep it under control. My mum had one which got out of hand, grew into her garage, the neighbours garage and could be seen in numberous gardens in the houses below hers and across the road from those houses too. She eventually killed it off with oodles of weed killer over a couple of years. It's super pretty though and I love seeing it, especially at this time of year.

lostinrates

Two virginia creepers and two ivies? How big is your extension?

I'd keep the virginia creeper, but put the ivy some where else, yes, you will see the brick work in winter , but the virginia creeper will eventually leave a winter skeleton of branch.

Too much, you'll be just doing lots of work pulling it all off soon.

lardlikesdogs

Remove the ivy now , The creeper will be fine but make sure you prune it every year so it doesn't take over, It does make a mess of the wall with its suckers, I remove ivy all year long from people's houses and it leaves a right mess on the walls best to get rid now rather than call me up in 4 years time