‘Late at night when sleeping poison ivy comes a-creeping.’

As Autumn beckons I thought it worth reviewing the top climbers and creepers for that startling colour that encourage passers buy to stop and gawp.

Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia is a large-leafed vigorous grower with brilliant orange and scarlet leaves in autumn.
Parthenocissus Veitchii ‘Boston Ivy’ from the same family is a vigorous self clinging vine also with rich crimson and scarlet leaves in autumn.

Vitis coignetiae Crimson Glory grape vine with green leaves turning crimson and scarlet in autumn with purple fruits.
Vitis ‘Brandt’ another hardy vine growing up to 25 feet. Large deep purple leaves and bunches of purple grapes in late summer.

Actinidia Kolomikta Chinese Gooseberry has young leaves that are tipped with a distinctive splash of pink and white. Not really an Autumn specimen but a good year round climber. To get fruit you need a male and female plant.

I would strongly recommend you avoid the Russian vine Polygonum baldschuanicum the mile a minute plant that strangles all in it’s path.