Overview
Vitis vinifera is a climbing fruit edible in the genus Vitis, part of the Vitaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Vitis vinifera grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include walls, trellis, pergolas and fences.
About
Vitis vinifera, the common grape vine, is a species of flowering plant, native to the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and southwestern Asia, from Morocco and Portugal north to southern Germany and east to northern Iran. As of 2012, there were between 5,000 and 10,000 varieties of Vitis vinifera grapes though only a few are of commercial significance for wine and table grape production. The wild grape is sometimes classified as Vitis vinifera var. sylvestris (in some classifications considered Vitis sylvestris), with Vitis vinifera var vinifera restricted to cultivated forms. Domesticated vines have hermaphrodite flowers, but V. vinifera var. sylvestris is dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants) and pollination is required for fruit to develop. It grows to around Higher than 12 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vitis vinifera
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
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Vitis vinifera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fruit Edible, Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Walls, trellis, pergolas, fences
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vitis vinifera
- Propagation
- Seed, hardwood cuttings, root cuttings, layering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildew, canker and dieback, Botrytis, Pierce's disease, black rot, powdery mildew, mushroom root rot, leaf spot, grape leaf skeletonizer, Japanese beetles, scale insects, mealybugs
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vitis vinifera?
Vitis vinifera prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vitis vinifera need?
Vitis vinifera is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Vitis vinifera grow?
Vitis vinifera reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Vitis vinifera hardy in the UK?
Vitis vinifera has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Vitis vinifera?
Seed, hardwood cuttings, root cuttings, layering.
More in the Vitis genus
Browse all Vitis →Last updated