Parthenocissus quinquefolia var. engelmannii

Parthenocissus quinquefolia var. engelmannii, also known as Engelmann's Virginia creeper, is a vigorous, deciduous climber with leaves made up of five toothed leaflets. The leaves are deep green through summer, then turn brilliant scarlet and crimson in autumn. Small flowers in summer are followed by blue-black berries that birds feed on. It has smaller leaves than the standard Virginia creeper and grips using small sticky pads, so it climbs walls and fences without needing wires or trellis.

It can reach 15m or more given the space. It grows in sun or shade on any aspect, including north and east facing walls, and is happy in most soils. The best autumn colour comes in a sunny spot. Fully hardy. Trim in winter to keep it away from gutters, roofs and windows.

Few plants can cover a large, bare wall as quickly, and the autumn colour is some of the brightest you can get in a British garden. It is tough, needs no support and does well on shady walls where many climbers struggle.