Bunchberry vs Boston Ivy

The Bunchberry, or Quatre-Temps as it is commonly known in Quebec, is an excellent ornamental plant to have in your garden. With star-shaped white flowers in spring and clusters of bright red berries in the fall, this is one of the most refined and hardy groundcovers available. The foliage has ornamental value, with leaves going from a deep green in the spring and summer to a beautiful brick-red in the fall.

Bunchberry is a spreading evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. This plant is not well suited for urban areas close to streetsides, as it is quite intolerant to pollution. It is Canada’s national flower.

According to a poll done by the Master Gardeners of Ontario, it is one of the most recognizable Canadian flowers.

Its flowers grow with elastic petals and "fire" its pollen with the force of 2000-3000 times the force of gravity.

Boston Ivy is an elegant, climbing vine that is often seen as a decorative addition to the sides of buildings. Unlike other climbing vines, this vine does not need a support to grow on. Instead, it clings to surfaces with holdfasts located at the tendril ends.

Boston Ivy is excellent for covering walls, trellises, arbors or fences, but can also be grown on the ground. Don't plant this vine against wood walls, shingle walls, gutters, or shutters as the holdfasts can cause damage over time. This variety will grow as tall and wide as the structure it is grown upon, so make sure you plan your site accordingly.

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