Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Well Drained / Light / Sandy

This grape vine, Vitis vinifera, is a vigorous, high-powered tendril climber, which can easily cover a house wall if left unchecked, covering it in large, lobed, bright green summer leaves up to 15cm long. The tiny green summer flowers are followed by late summer bunches of small grapes.

There are many varieties, which bear grapes that can be eaten as a dessert or used to produce wine – many can be used for both. Some are tender and need the shelter of a greenhouse to crop prolifically, but if you don't have one, don’t worry, there's a wide variety that can be grown in well-drained soil in a sheltered spot such as against a south- or west-facing fence or wall.

For a Vitis with strong autumn leaf colour, choose the deep, dark purple variety 'Purpurea', and for tasty edible grapes grown against a sheltered, sunny garden wall, try the likes of 'Brandt' and 'Gloire de Boskoop'.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyesyes
Pruneyes
Harvestyesyesyes

Vitis and wildlife

Vitis has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Vitis poisonous?

Vitis has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Vitis vinifera
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