Vitis coignetiae
crimson glory grape vine
Heart-shaped, three to five-lobed, dark green leaves turning bright red in autumn and small, unpalatable, blue-black grapes. This vigorous, deciduous, ornamental climber has deeply impressed veins on the leaves and thick brown felt underneath. Performing best in full sun, it's ideal for covering an unsightly fence or wall or for scrambling through an established tree.
This vigorous climbing vine is originally from Japan and was introduced to Britain by Jardine and Matheson, the East India merchants in the late 19th century. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 25m (82ft) although it will take some years to get to this height! Due to its size and density of leaf cover, it's best planted on its own.
This vigorous climbing vine is originally from Japan and was introduced to Britain by Jardine and Matheson, the East India merchants in the late 19th century. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 25m (82ft) although it will take some years to get to this height! Due to its size and density of leaf cover, it's best planted on its own.
How to care for Vitis coignetiae:
To avoid dry conditions, and to ensure good soil contact around the rootball, we advise planting climbers at least 30cm (12in), and preferably 45-60cm (18-24in) away from the base of a wall or fence. An even larger distance should be maintained when planting climbers beside an existing tree or shrub.
When planting incorporate plenty of well-rotted organic organic matter into the planting hole. It will need some help to clamber up a tree, wall or pergola so you will need to provide some support and tie it in as it grows. Once it has developed a good framework you should shorten all the lateral shoots to within two or three buds from the main stem. It is essential that the majority of the pruning work is tackled in mid-winter as the sap tends to 'bleed' at other times of the year, but you can cut back the odd over-long stem to a healthy bud in summer.
When planting incorporate plenty of well-rotted organic organic matter into the planting hole. It will need some help to clamber up a tree, wall or pergola so you will need to provide some support and tie it in as it grows. Once it has developed a good framework you should shorten all the lateral shoots to within two or three buds from the main stem. It is essential that the majority of the pruning work is tackled in mid-winter as the sap tends to 'bleed' at other times of the year, but you can cut back the odd over-long stem to a healthy bud in summer.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
15m
Eventual spread:
5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
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Dogs: Harmful if eaten
