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 H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
Vitis vinifera is a woody vine that can reach heights of 15 to 18 meters, using tendrils to climb. Its leaves can be either three or five lobed, featuring coarse teeth, and measure up to 15 centimeters in both length and width, with petioles that are roughly half the length of the leaf blade. The flowers are small and greenish, arranged in loose clusters. The fruit takes the form of either oval or round grapes. This species includes numerous cultivars, which have been bred for their edible berries or for their varied ornamental characteristics, as the foliage displays a range of sizes, shapes, and colors.
About the genus
Vitis comprises robust deciduous climbing plants featuring tendrils and lobed foliage. They produce inconspicuous green flowers that give way to frequently edible grapes. Certain species also exhibit notable color changes in their leaves during the autumn months.
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
- H5
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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Toxicity
- Pets (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
Pruning and caring for Vitis vinifera
- Cultivation
- Grow outdoors in full sun, in well-drained, humus-rich soil, preferably neutral to slightly alkaline, mulch to keep soil moist, and provide support; for more advice, see outdoor grape cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning is required to encourage flowering and fruiting, and to increase air circulation and so reduce the risk of disease: see grape pruning and training
- Propagation
- Propagate by hardwood cuttings in late autumn or winter, or by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings from late spring to midsummer or grafting onto Phylloxera resistant rootstocks
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to grapevine blister mite, glasshouse red spider mite, brown scale, woolly vine scale and spotted wing drosophila (fruit fly)
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews, grey moulds, honey fungus and virus diseases. For further advice see grapevine diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Vitis vinifera?
Grow outdoors in full sun, in well-drained, humus-rich soil, preferably neutral to slightly alkaline, mulch to keep soil moist, and provide support; for more advice, see outdoor grape cultivation.
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 do I prune Vitis vinifera?
Pruning is required to encourage flowering and fruiting, and to increase air circulation and so reduce the risk of disease: see grape pruning and training.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Vitis vinifera?
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in late autumn or winter, or by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings from late spring to midsummer or grafting onto Phylloxera resistant rootstocks.
Is Vitis vinifera toxic?
Pets (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.