Ampelopsis is an interesting climber with attractive leaves and fruits. The plants of this genus used to be classified as Vitis but later on they were re-classified in its own genus Ampelopsis. There are 20 species known originating from Far East and both Americas but only several of them are cultivated in polish gardens.
Depending on the species, the plants may achieve from 2 to 8 m. They climb by means of tendrils that twine round the support. They have attractive, mostly lobed leaves and quite inconspicuous, greenish, bisexual flowers that open in July-August. The plants are primarily grown for its fruits that ripen in September-October and are far more decorative than the flowers. Round berries, 6-8 cm in diameter, are produced in bunches and vary in colour depending on a variety. Ampelopsis has no special requirements and can grow in any normal soil, but the best fruit colours are produced in sunny, warm and sheltered spots. No special pruning is needed. When the plant becomes overgrown, you should prune it moderately in early spring (February - the beginning of March) or in summer.
Ampelopsis aconitifolia (Monkshood Vine) -
This vigorous cultivar is native to China and grows up to 4-8 m tall. It has attractive, single, deeply palmate leaves that are green in summer and turn yellow later in the season. Also in autumn, decorative, small, ball-like berries appear. They are yellow, orange or brown with small darker spots. This is a hardy, undemanding and disease and pest resistant plant.
It's perfectly suited for growing on a fence, in a similar fashion to Virginia creeper. It will also look attractive climbing up an arbour, a pergola or any other garden support. Ideal for public greenery.
Ampelopsis aconitifolia ‘Seattle’ - A compact cultivar up to 2-3 m tall. Young shoots and leaf tendrils are red-purple and turn pink with age. Leaves turn bright yellow in autumn. Red-brown fruits. It's particularly useful for growing over an arbour, a pergola or another garden support. Ideal for autumn colour combinations.
Ampelopsis glandulosa (syn. Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) (Porcelain Ampelopsis)
‘Elegans’ - A stunning cultivar though not very vigorous (up to 2 m tall), native to Japan. Very decorative, deeply lobed, white, pink and cream leaves contrast nicely with pink-red tendrils. In autumn, attractive fruits are a welcome bonus as they change colour from white-blue through purple to violet-blue. Though it can freeze during harsh winters, the reputation it had until recently of being particularly sensitive to frost was quite undeserved. It's particularly useful for a small garden,
a terrace or anywhere where space is limited, as you'll be able to admire its multicolored leaves and striking fruit from close up. It's at its best in sunny, warm and sheltered areas.
