Overview

Vitis linecumii is a plant with a climbing habit in the genus Vitis, part of the Vitaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vitis linecumii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include climber and wall shrubs and edible fruit.

About

Vitis linecumii is a climbing grapevine that produces edible fruit and forms deciduous foliage. It favours full sun and a sheltered, south- or west-facing position. It will grow on a wide range of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — provided they are well drained and alkaline to neutral. Flowering occurs from May to July.

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 4.0Vitis

In the garden

Vitis linecumii is a climbing member of the grape family (Vitaceae) cultivated for its fruit and vigorous twining habit. The vine loses its leaves in winter and flowers in late spring to mid-summer, after which fruit develops on the shoots. Its cultural needs are straightforward: plant in full sun on a sheltered aspect, ideally south- or west-facing, to give flowers and fruit the best exposure. Soil can be chalk, clay, loam or sand as long as it drains freely; aim for alkaline to neutral pH and avoid waterlogged positions. The species is classed H5, i.e. hardy in most of the UK, so it tolerates typical winter conditions when given a protected spot. Situate the vine against walls, trained over trellises or on stout wires where its climbing habit can be supported and sheltered from the worst winds. In a garden setting Vitis linecumii suits walls and large pergolas where edible grapes are wanted without exotic soil demands. Give the plant room to scramble and an open, sunny face for best results, and you will have a productive climber that combines fruiting interest with the seasonal change of deciduous foliage.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Vitis

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Vitis linecumii size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Climbing
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Climber and wall shrubs, Edible fruit

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Vitis linecumii

Propagation
Hardwood cuttings in late autumn or winter, Softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings from late spring to midsummer, Grafting onto Phylloxera resistant rootstocks
Pest resistance
Grapevine blister mite, Glasshouse red spider mite, Brown scale, Woolly vine scale, Spotted wing drosophila (fruit fly)
Disease resistance
Powdery mildews, Grey moulds, Honey fungus, Virus diseases

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Vitis linecumii?

Vitis linecumii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Vitis linecumii need?

Vitis linecumii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Vitis linecumii hardy in the UK?

Vitis linecumii 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 linecumii?

Hardwood cuttings in late autumn or winter, Softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings from late spring to midsummer, Grafting onto Phylloxera resistant rootstocks.

More in the Vitis genus

Browse all Vitis