Grapevine Vitis vinifera
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Vitaceae family. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
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Grapevine at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Vitaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: fruit, young leaves |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇱 Chile |
Is Grapevine toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: grapes, raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Grapevine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Grapevine
- How far apart should I plant Grapevine?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Grapevine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Grapevine need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Grapevine?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Grapevine flower?
- From about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Grapevine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs severely toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs.
- What grows well with Grapevine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Grapevine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Needs trellis support and annual pruning.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Muscadine grape Vitis rotundifolia
- Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia
- Boston ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.