Vitis coignetiae

Vitis coignetiae leaf (11/06/2011, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, well drained

Flowering period: Summer

Eventual Height: 15m

Eventual Spread: 15m

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Vitaceae

Vitis coignetiae is deciduous perennial with a climbing habit. This woody-stemmed tendril climber bears large leaves that are brown-haired underneath and display bright, vivid autumn colour. It has tiny, pale green flowers which are followed by edible, purplish bloomed black berries.

Vitis coignetiae autumn (16/10/2011, London)

Vitis coignetiae, commonly known as the Crimson Glory Vine, is native to many temperate climes in Asia, including Japan. It was introduced to the west by Messrs Jardine and Matheson where it was grown in Anthony Waterer’s nursery, they were also grown from seed in France in 1875 using seeds acquired by a Madame Coignet, but these plants were considered to be inferior to the Waterer stock as their autumn colour was not as strong.

The etymological root of the binomial name Vitis is the ancient Latin for a ‘vine’. Coignetiae is named for Madame Coignet.

The Landscape architect may find Vitis coignetiae useful as a perennial climber with fantastic autumn colour.

The Royal Horticultural Society have given Vitis coignetiae their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Vitis coignetiae (11/06/2011, London)

Ecologically, Vitis coignetiae will attract pollinating insects such as butterflies and honey bees although as it is not native to this continent these associations will not be prolific.

Vitis coignetiae will tolerate almost any soil conditions; it will be happy in acid, neutral or alkaline pH levels, in Chalk, Clay, Sand or Loam based soils in a sheltered  location facing a southern or western aspect.

Vitis coignetiae requires little to no maintenance. May be trimmed in late winter or spring to control excessive growth.