Overview
Vitis labrusca is a climbing fruit edible in the genus Vitis, part of the Vitaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vitis labrusca grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include edible fruit and climber and wall shrubs.
About
Vitis labrusca, commonly known as fox grape, is a robust deciduous climbing plant from the Vitaceae family. It features tendrils and lobed foliage, producing inconspicuous green flowers that develop into edible grapes. This cultivar thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with well-drained, neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for use as an edible fruit climber or wall shrub. Propagation can be achieved through hardwood, softwood, or semi-ripe cuttings, as well as grafting onto Phylloxera-resistant rootstocks.
About the genus
Vitis (grapevine) is a genus of about 80 species of twining plants in the family Vitaceae. The genus consists of species predominantly from the Northern Hemisphere. It is economically important as the source of grapes, both for direct consumption of the fruit and for fermentation to produce wine.
Wikipedia contributors, "Vitis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vitis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vitis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Vitis labrusca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Edible fruit, Climber and wall shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vitis labrusca
- Propagation
- Hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Grafting onto Phylloxera resistant rootstocks
- Pest resistance
- Grapevine blister mite, Glasshouse red spider mite, Brown scale, Woolly vine scale, Spotted wing drosophila
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Grey moulds, Honey fungus, Virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vitis labrusca?
Vitis labrusca prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vitis labrusca need?
Vitis labrusca grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Vitis labrusca hardy in the UK?
Vitis labrusca has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Vitis labrusca?
Hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Grafting onto Phylloxera resistant rootstocks.