Vitis coignetiae (Crimson Glory Vine)

Vitis coignetiae

Suddenly, an old and rather tatty Japanese Larch, Larix kaempferi in our gardens has been transformed into a rainbow of rich orange, red and yellow autumn colours by our Vitis coignetiae.

This vigorous, very hardy, twining climber is one of the most reliable of climbing woody plants for sensational displays of glowing autumn colours. It is equally at home trained over a large trellis or arbour, in sun or even in partial shade. Large leaves somewhat similar (although slightly smaller) to those of our Paulownia tomentosa

Vitis coignetiae

Along with several other vines such as Vitis coignetiae 'Claret Cloak', Vitis 'Spetchley Red' and Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea', we've planted our glory Vine next to an indifferent old tree which it has now grown through filling it with enormous leaves throughout summer which in autumn always turn to the most brilliant shades of scarlet.

Vitis coignetiae 'Claret Cloak'

It is closely related to the familiar Grape Vine, Vitis vinifera. Although grape vines are often cultivated on poor soils, in this country, traditionally they were planted on a dead calf! This may seem a little extreme nowadays but it does show how much these vigorous plants really appreciate a generous helping of rich garden compost or manure when planting and occasional mulchings thereafter.

Vitis coignetiae 'Claret Cloak' has very pretty, deeply divided leaves which will also colour brilliantly during the next few weeks and is a little less vigorous making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens.

Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea'

BlueBell Arboretum's Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea' is growing through a Picea breweriana (Brewer's Weeping Spruce). This cultivar doesn't have quite such fine autumn colours but has rich purple foliage all summer with silvery young growths and is much less vigorous here. 

It is ideal for training over a sunny wall or similar where it will appreciate a little support through which to twine.