Wild Grapes

(Frost Grape, River Grape, Spanish Grape)

Vitis riparia, Vitis berlandieri

The Frost or River Grape and Spanish Grape (the term "wild grape" will be used, too, covering both species) have extremely healthy yet "genuine" vine leaves. They are easy to care for and are particularly suited for decorative purposes; they create a "wine-atmosphere" without much maintenance.

Requirements

Sunny (full sun) to (semi-)shaded Position, will develop more intense yellow and red autumn colours in the sun.

Growth and Leaves

A climber with tendrils, vigorous growth, yearly growth up to 1-4metres, may also cascade like a bridal train. Foliage from May to October.

: Wild grapes make for a cheerful atmosphere in an outdoor seating area or beer garden

: This (male) inflorescence of a wild grape dries up immediately after flowering, hence it remains sterile and forms no berries.

Flower and Fruit

Inconspicuous green-yellow flowers in early summer, insignificant or no fruit at all. Advantage: problems which can occur in ripening and ripe (wine-) grapes are avoided.

Growth Support Systems

Rods, trellises, pergolas, arbours. Wires or (wire) ropes especially to attach the old sturdy stems. Stem formation and training similar to illustrations for the wine grape. For suitable systems see below. Light, on walls better Medium and Heavy Duty Support Systems.

: Potsdam / Brandenburg: garlands of wild grapes

: Potsdam / Brandenburg. All freestanding espaliers on these world famous terraces in the Castle of Sanssouci have been planted exclusively with wild grapes, while behind the glass windows complementary figs are grown. In the past, this used to be the Mediterranean orchard of the King of Prussia.

: American wild grapes used as courtyard garlands and for wall greening

: In specialised propagating nurseries cultivate long shoots of specific breeds of wild grapes which then are used as rootstock to graft on the "true" wine grapes.

Pruning

Summer and winter pruning as needed, to restrain the vigorous growth habit and to prevent the plants from becoming straggly. Best trained as cordons with spur pruning as for the wine grape.

Further Notes

There are well over 100 Vitis species with varying mildew and frost resistance. In Germany, propagations of V. riparia and V. berlandieri are commonly used as rootstock for grafting and can be used for greening if necessary. "Vitis odorissima" (no English common name) is no longer commercially available, but there are still some examples in botanical gardens. The following grapes used for grafting form only male flowers, hence produce no grapes at all, and are therefore particularly suitable: Teleki 8B, SO 4, Boerner, Couderc 3309. Unfortunately they are hard to come by, because stock used for grafting is not intended for common sale.