If you are looking for a climbing plant with brilliant autumn colour then the Ornamental Grape could be the one for you.
Grow it over a pergola as a living shade plant, or along a fence as a screen. Perhaps let it scramble through trees and shrubs, it can provide shade in summer as well as autumn tones.
The botanical name is Vitis vinifera, and it is related to the common ‘Grape Vine’. This is a variety that does not fruit as much. This has its advantages in that it does not attract birds as readily, and does not drop its fruit as much, so less mess than the fruiting type.
This is a fast growing vine that climbs using tendrils. The new foliage is mid to deep green, and as autumn comes around the foliage turns to reds and crimson creating a great ornamental backdrop.
Ornamental Grape Care
When to Plant Ornamental Grape
The best planting time depends on where you live and whether you are planting a potted vine or a dormant bare-root plant.
- Australia: Plant potted vines in autumn, winter or spring, with autumn and winter particularly useful in temperate areas. Avoid planting into extreme heat. Bare-root vines are best planted while dormant in winter.
- USA: In temperate areas, plant in spring once the worst frosts have passed, or in autumn where winters are relatively mild. In colder areas, spring planting is the safer option.
- Europe: Plant from autumn through early spring, while the vine is dormant and the ground is workable. The RHS gives October to March as the general planting period for outdoor grape vines in the UK.
When planting, give the vine plenty of room to establish and provide a trellis, pergola, fence, wires or another suitable support from the beginning.
Growing Conditions
This is a vigorous climber and needs to be planted in a position where it will not out-compete smaller plants. It can be allowed to climb through taller trees if desired, but remember that an established vine can become quite large and will need some control.
Plant in a humus-rich, well-drained soil and water through the first summer. Mulch to maintain a cool root run and help conserve moisture.
A position in full sun to part shade is suitable, although full sun will generally give the best autumn colour. Good drainage is important, and the vine is much more forgiving once established.
Basic care requirements include using a slow-release fertiliser in spring every year or two to help promote growth. Avoid excessive feeding, as this can simply encourage more vigorous growth when the main job is often keeping the vine under control.
Watering and Mulching
Water regularly while the vine is establishing, particularly through its first summer. Once established, Ornamental Grape is reasonably drought tolerant, but it will perform better with moisture during prolonged dry periods.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it away from the main stem. This helps maintain a cooler root run and reduces moisture loss during hot weather.
Pruning Ornamental Grape
Pruning to maintain size and keep it clear of other plants can be carried out as required.
For more substantial pruning, winter is the usual time, when the vine has lost its leaves and the structure is easy to see. Ornamental grapes can be pruned in much the same way as fruiting grape vines. Keep the older, flaky-barked wood and cut back the newer growth. A common approach is to prune the current season’s shoots back to around two or three buds.
It is worth keeping the vine under control from the beginning. A vigorous grape vine that is allowed to grow wherever it wants can quickly become difficult to manage. Training the main stems along wires or across a pergola makes future pruning much easier.
Growing Ornamental Grape Over a Pergola
One of the best uses for Ornamental Grape is as a living roof over a pergola.
The foliage provides useful shade during summer, while the deciduous nature of the vine means the leaves fall in winter and allow more sunlight through. This makes it particularly useful where seasonal shade is wanted rather than year-round cover.
Train the main stems along the pergola or supporting wires and allow the new shoots to spread across the framework. Regular winter pruning will keep the vine within bounds and encourage fresh growth for the following season.
Ornamental Grape Propagation
Propagation is from cuttings taken in spring. Ornamental grapes can also be propagated from established plant material by other grape-growing methods, but cuttings are a straightforward option for the home gardener.
Take healthy pieces of suitable stem, prepare the cuttings and place them into a free-draining propagation mix. Keep them moist but not constantly wet while roots develop.
Ornamental Grape Problems
Ornamental Grape is generally an easy-care and hardy vine, but poor growing conditions can cause problems.
The main concern in humid climates can be fungal leaf problems. Good air circulation, a sunny position and avoiding unnecessarily wet foliage can help reduce these issues.
The other problem is usually the vine itself — it grows quickly. Give it something substantial to climb on and keep up with pruning rather than waiting until it has taken over the pergola, fence or neighbouring plants.
Summary Information.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Soil – Humus-rich, moist but well-drained.
- Foliage – Green, turning red, crimson, orange and other autumn tones.
- Flowers – Insignificant.
- Height – The Ornamental Grape can easily climb to 8 metres given something to climb on, and some vines can grow considerably larger if left unchecked.
- Spread – Will spread along a fence to around 8 to 10 metres when given room.
- Growth rate – Fast growing.
- Pruning – Prune in winter to control size and maintain the framework.
- Propagation – Cuttings.
- Best feature – Brilliant autumn foliage and useful summer shade.
Available for sale from the following nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au