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Key characteristics

Family: Vitaceae
Height: Up to 20 feet
Width: 6 to 10 feet
Flower color: Insignificant greenish-white flowers
Foliage color: Emerges green with a flush of burgundy in spring; deepens to purple in summer
Bloom time: Early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Average
Maintenance: Prune annually during dormancy to maintain shape; can be trained on trellises or arbors
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts birds; provides habitat and food

Vines

Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea'

Purple-leaved Grapevine

Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea', also known as the purple-leaved grapevine, is a deciduous climber celebrated for its ornamental foliage and seasonal interest. The leaves emerge green but quickly mature to deep reddish-purple, creating a rich, dramatic effect throughout the growing season. Small, greenish flowers appear in early summer, followed by clusters of tiny, dark purple, inedible grapes in late summer to early autumn.

Originating as a cultivated variety of the common grapevine, 'Purpurea' is primarily grown for its decorative value rather than fruit production.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Average

Bloom time

Early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Arbors & Trellises
Fences & Walls
Vertical Screening
Cottage Gardens
Bird Gardens

Companion plants

Boxwood · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Climbing roses · Columbines

Design tip

The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. Give it something sturdy to climb and keep the base planted with lower perennials, which shades the roots and hides bare stems.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)