Family: Vitaceae
Common Name: Grape Vine, Vine

These deciduous, woody climbers are grown both for their fruit and their richly coloured, autumn foliage. Climbing by means of tendrils which they coil around supports, they make very attractive ornamentals. The leaves may he simple or palmate, and the insignificant flowers are followed by the decorative fruits.

Species

V. amurensis, zone 7, is a very vigorous climber with large, three- to five-lobed leaves and small, black fruit. The autumn foliage ranges from orange-scarlet to deep red.

V. coignetiae, crimson glory vine, zone 5, is a fast-growing climber, to 15 m (6 in) high, with large, slightly lobed leaves, up to 30 cm (12 in) across, colour­ing orange-red in autumn. The black fruits are gen­erally inedible. This species tolerates a wide range of climatic conditions.

V. vinifera, wine or European grape, zone 6, climbs by means of few tendrils, bearing large clusters of fruit, vary­ing in size and colour. It is best to choose fruiting grapes according to local climate. As well as the European grape, there is also the American V. labrusca, suited to zone 5. There are many cultivars of each.

Cultivation

Grape vines tolerate most soils, but do best in a humus-rich soil in full sun or par­tial shade. Be careful to allow sufficient room for growth when training vines over walls or trellises. Prune when completely dormant to prevent bleeding of the sap. Propagate from layers in late autumn or from hardwood cuttings taken in winter.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.