About
This vigorous woody climber with heart-shaped, sometimes lobed, coarsely toothed fresh green leaves up to 20cm across. Small, scented yellow-green flowers are produced in spring, followed by clusters of blue-black fruits.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
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, in well-drained, humus-rich, preferably neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Keep watered in dry spells. The fruits of this species are popular with wildlife, though generally too sour for human consumption
PruningPruning group 11 in midwinter, and in midsummer to restrict growth if necessary. See grape pruning
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; see grapevine diseases