ClimbersVitis vinifera
Grape Vine
The grape vine is a vigorous deciduous climber with graceful, palmate leaves and curling tendrils that cling to support structures. In summer clusters of white or blue grapes appear, depending on the cultivar. The foliage turns beautifully red to purple in autumn. Unrivalled both as a fruit plant and as a decorative pergola cover.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 500–1500 cm
- Spread
- 200–600 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 6–9
- Family
- Vitaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- green
- Wildlife value
- birds, bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun against a warm, sheltered wall or along a pergola in well-drained, chalky soil. Train shoots along wires or trellis. Water regularly in summer as the fruits swell. Feed moderately in spring — too much nitrogen produces only foliage.
Pruning tips
Prune twice a year: in winter (December-January) cut main shoots back to two buds above the old framework, and in summer pinch side shoots above the fifth leaf beyond the grape cluster. Remove unwanted shoots regularly. Fruit only appears on one-year-old wood.
Good companions
TreesFicus carica
Common Fig
The common fig is an atmospheric Mediterranean tree with large, deeply lobed leaves and a characteristic broad crown. The hidden flowers sit inside the fig fruit and are not visible from outside. Given a warm, sheltered position, the tree produces sweet, juicy figs from summer to autumn. Surprisingly hardy with protection.
TreesOlea europaea
Olive Tree
The olive tree is a majestic, long-lived tree with distinctive silver-green foliage and a gnarled trunk that grows increasingly characterful with age. In warm climates it produces edible olives following a modest white bloom in June. As a container plant it can bring Mediterranean charm to cooler regions too.
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.