Looking for some advice for someone new to planting...well, anything.

Looking to plant Virginia creeper in (El Paso, TX) Zone 8 (pretty sure Zone 8A)

I have very sandy soil, but live on the west side so its capable of green. Looking for any tips or advice on how to grow along a long rockwall with metal privacy extension. Do I need to plant in any particular kind of soil initially or straight into the ground? What I read says it does well in sandy soil, but not sure if it means as sandy as this.

Do I want to dig a larger hole than what is being planted, fill with potting soil or something and then add the plant?

Also, I am assuming spring is likely the best time to add these plants, am I correct?

How far apart would be recommended for a full wall covering?

The big picture would be quite a few plants as the perimeter area that I would not have to worry about the plant bothering anyone else is rather large. Long term likely looking at 30 to 40 plants to cover the area (by my estimates, although may be wrong).

Thank you in advance.

Hi Skoll

Sorry I have not grown that plant here in Tucson. Are you near to a plant nursery that might be able to give you advise on growing it in your area?

This gardening site has an awesome plant data base. If you type that plant name into it you may find lots of info from gardeners here that grow it.

hello quietyard,

Thank you for your response. Believe it or not, I have done quite a bit of research on the plant itself, its just that everyone I read something from or I see a video about it doesnt appear to be in an idea as sandy as this. I guess I was looking for someone who has planted Virginia Creeper as a wall covering in this area.

Thank you for the heads up though, I will do some searching and see if maybe I missed something from prior posts.

I've had it, but not in your area. I lived in Flagstaff, AZ then. Much higher and colder. It grew very well there. I'm not so sure about it with your heat and sandy soil. If you plant it, Maybe try a few plants as a test, with amended soil in the holes. If they thrive, you could buy more plants or make a lot of cuttings. It grows quickly from cuttings.