While we are on the fruit theme let’s pay homage to the humble Vitis vinifera that produces grapes from which all wines are made.
Vitis vinifera, the name comes from the Greek work vinifer –wine-producing. The twining tendrils wrap around any structure with the large decorative leaves casting shade to sit beneath. The fruit hang tantalisingly beneath the foliage ripening in the late summer. This is not the only attribute for Vitis as the leaves do take on dramatic autumn hues before falling. For a Mediterranean style garden a Vitis is a must have plant. When planted against a pergola or to grow over a structure a Vitis will happily take off and provide all you could need from a plant.
Vitis grow in poor soils and need a lot of sunshine for the fruit to develop and ripen. Bunches can be thinned out for the serious grape grower to ensure better tasting, larger fruit.
- Vitis Brant is a popular fruiting variety
- Vitis coignetiae is grown for the huge ornamental leaves that turn
- Vitis vinifera is the most commonly used Vitis in the garden with the twining stem becoming more attractive with age.
- Vitis vinifera Purpurea has purple leaves that open a shade of claret and darken to red / purple.
We have some excellent fruiting Grapes in stock too. Ideal for growing for the table to eat alongside your Figs.
- Grape Himrod produces crisp, sweet yellow seedless fruit with a good flavour. This particular variety was developed in New York for its winter hardiness.
- Grape Crimson Seedless is a heavy cropping pinkish - red grape that is firm and juicy.
- Grape Riesling is a white grape variety that originates from the Rhine area. The grape is used to make Riesling wine.
- Grape Philipp produces a dark purple grape
There are some fantastic older style Vitis available now creating that instant look and adding a sense of longevity and drama.
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| Vitis vinifera Purpurea | Vitis vinifera | Vitis coignetiae |
