Plant Library

Other Names:  European Grape

Description:

Cultivars of this variety form the basis of the majority of the wines produced around the world; a large vine, bearing clusters of dark purple to blackish grapes in summer; vigorous and hardy

Edible Qualities

Common Grape is a woody vine that is typically grown for its edible qualities. It produces clusters of deep purple round fruit which are usually ready for picking from early to mid fall. The fruits have a sweet taste and a juicy texture.

The fruit are most often used in the following ways:

• Fresh Eating
• Preserves
• Juice-Making
• Wine-Making

Features & Attributes

Common Grape has attractive dark green deciduous foliage on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. The lobed leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall colour. It produces abundant clusters of deep purple grapes from early to mid fall.

This is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous woody vine with a spreading, ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage. This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Common Grape is sutiable for the following landscape applications;

• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Common Grape will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. As a climbing vine, it should be planted next to a fence, trellis or other rigid structure where it can be trained to grow upwards on it. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This woody vine is typically grown in a designated area of the yard because of its mature size and spread. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.