If you want fast cover and serious autumn colour, Vitis coignetiae is a smart pick. It is a vigorous, deciduous climbing vine with big, heart-shaped leaves that can reach around 30cm long. In autumn, the foliage shifts from deep green to rich scarlet and crimson. It brings shade in summer, then drops its leaves in winter so light can return.

You may also see it sold as Crimson Glory Vine, Coignet’s vine, or ornamental grapevine.

Size and growth habit

This plant likes to get on with the job. Give it room and a strong structure.

• Height, up to 15m once established
• Spread, up to 8m to 10m, depending on support and pruning
• Type: deciduous climber

Why you will enjoy it in your garden

This vine earns its keep. It covers fences, pergolas, and walls quickly. The leaves are large, so you get privacy and shade when you want it. You can also use it to soften the look of sheds or garages.

• Creates seasonal shade over seating, patios, and paths
• Adds strong autumn colour for 4 to 8 weeks, timing varies by weather
• Gives quick screening for overlooked boundaries
• Works well on sturdy trellis, wires, and pergolas

Benefits for UK wildlife

This is an easy way to add cover and food in one plant. In summer, it produces small greenish flowers. They are subtle, but they still offer pollen and nectar for small insects. Later, the flowers can develop into bunches of blue-black berries, about 1cm across. Birds may take them in autumn and early winter, especially when other fruits run low. The dense growth also gives shelter from wind and rain.

• Flowers can support pollinating insects in summer
• Berries can feed birds in autumn and winter
• Thick foliage can provide nesting and roosting cover

Best growing conditions in the UK

Plant it where it can climb safely and where you can reach it to prune. It performs best with good light and steady moisture.

• Sun, full sun to part shade, more sun gives better autumn colour
• Soil, fertile, well-drained soil, also copes with most garden soils
• Moisture, water well in the first two growing seasons, then only in long dry spells
• Position, sheltered from strong winds, especially on exposed sites
• Support, use heavy-duty wires, a strong trellis, or a pergola; it can get heavy at full size

Plant 30cm to 45cm away from a wall or fence so rain can reach the roots. Add a 5cm to 8cm mulch in spring to help hold moisture.

Care and pruning

Prune to keep it tidy and to stop it from blocking gutters, windows, or tiles. Cut back in late winter while it is dormant. Tie in new growth as it extends, and remove any shoots heading where you do not want them.