Re: VA creeper was: Deer and creepers

Well, Barb, I have had a running battle with VA creeper for nearly 30
years:-).  I pull it, dig it and saw it off trees.  If you actually
take the time to follow the runners back to their origin, you will
likely find a rather mammoth section of vine/root which, more than
likely, is growing up some old tree.  Could be 2 or 3 inches in
diameter.  You need to dig this out, including as much underground
root as you can manage...that ought to do it in.  

If you just pull runners without taking care of the source, they will
simply come back, generally in multiples as where it breaks off a
larger runner, it seems to initiate more than one growth bud.  

You will find that runners have sections rather loose on the ground
that come from a part that is firmly attached to the ground,
generally running just over it...not easily pulled up; have to dig
parts of it.  That will be attached to sections that are underground
and need to be dug up.

Following VA creeper to its source can be an interesting exercise, it
goes over, under through around and around; one plant can cover many
yards of ground....the more you find, the madder at it you get and
the more determined to remove it:-)

I always have to laugh when I see this vine recommended because it is
a "native" plant - in lieu of just about any "exotic" vine you can
think of.  HA!  Go ahead and pay money for this and plant it, I
think...you'll rue the day you did:-)  It is an attractive vine from
the fall foliage standpoint and new growth is a rather interesting
shade of pink.  Its method of producing hold-fasts that will grab
bits of gravel or any other solid object in their path is also
interesting.  However, these traits are not enough to recommend it in
my garden!  There is a variegated form out there that tempts me when
I see pix of its foliage, but I always manage to come to my senses in
time...

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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----------
> From: Barb Pernacciaro <barp@idcnet.com>
> 
> Well, before we get scolded for not sticking to perennials - I have
a BIG
> problem in my flower (?) bed that backs up to a small woods.
Virginia
> Creeper is really creeping all over the place - the more I pull it
up, the
> more it seems to respond by spreading. Does anyone have any ideas
for a
> selective poison?

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