I'm interested in planting Boston Ivy to cover a concrete block wall, and looking forward to the 'fall colors' it displays prior to losing its leaves. I have no experience with this plant, and would like some assurance that, with diligent and regular pruning, it can be kept cropped close enough to the wall so as not to protrude more than about 4 inches and encroach on a walkway. All suggestions and caveats welcome, thanks!

When I lived in Massachusetts our house was covered in Boston ivy which we never really trimmed. It stayed close to the wall and generally behaved itself. I know, however, that everything grows bigger in California so I hope someone local will add an opinion.

I've never seen Boston Ivy growing anyplace warm - I don't even know of anyone in my area growing it. I doubt it would grow in SoCal.

Thanks for the notes, both. I never thought about anything not growing in SoCal, but then I'm the only one in the area that has good luck with fuchsias. I'll give the ivy a try, can always put something else there if it doesn't work out.