Vitis vinifera

This grape vine, Vitis vinifera, is a vigorous, high-powered tendril climber, which can easily cover a house wall if left unchecked, covering it in large, lobed, bright green summer leaves up to 15cm long. The tiny green summer flowers are followed by late summer bunches of small grapes.

There are many varieties, which bear grapes that can be eaten as a dessert or used to produce wine – many can be used for both. Some are tender and need the shelter of a greenhouse to crop prolifically, but if you don't have one, don’t worry, there's a wide variety that can be grown in well-drained soil in a sheltered spot such as against a south- or west-facing fence or wall.

For a Vitis with strong autumn leaf colour, choose the deep, dark purple variety 'Purpurea', and for tasty edible grapes grown against a sheltered, sunny garden wall, try the likes of 'Brandt' and 'Gloire de Boskoop'.