About
A very low-growing, mat-forming or tufted perennial to about 8cm tall from the Balkans and southeastern Europe with kidney-shaped to broadly ovate, slightly hairy, mid-green leaves and small, violet-blue, five-petalled flowers with a pale spur in spring. A little-known but attractive species for a sunny, sharply drained rock garden or alpine trough.
About the genus
Vitis are vigorous deciduous climbing shrubs with tendrils and attractively lobed leaves, insignificant green flowers followed by often edible fruits; some have excellent autumn foliage colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten whether fruits are edible or ornamental - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun or light shade, in well-drained, humus-rich soil, preferably neutral to slightly alkaline, mulch to keep soil moist
PruningPruning group 11
PropagationPropagate by layering in autumn or hardwood cuttings in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to grapevine blister mite, glasshouse red spider mite, brown scale, woolly vine scale and spotted wing drosophila (fruit fly)
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews, grey moulds, honey fungus and virus diseases