Boston ivy

Boston ivy is a vigorous deciduous climbing vine in the grape family, native to East Asia but planted worldwide to cover walls and fences. Its glossy leaves are typically broadly three-lobed with coarsely toothed edges, and it clings to flat surfaces using adhesive pads on branched tendrils rather than roots.

• Despite the name it is not an ivy at all — it is a close relative of the grapevine and produces small blue-black berries.
• It grips smooth stone and glass with sticky tendril pads that work like tiny suction cups, no cracks needed.
• It gives the 'Ivy League' universities their leafy walls and turns brilliant scarlet in autumn.

Care
Give it a sturdy wall and full sun for the best autumn colour, and prune hard each winter to keep it away from gutters, windows and roof tiles.