What: The common name for Vitis coignetiae — crimson glory vine — tells it all. It is indeed glorious when clothed in its large crimson autumnal garb. Its leaves are very large, often to a foot across, and heart-shaped in outline. Its veins are impressed into the upper surface, and its leaves are brown-felty beneath. Plant it on a trellis, against a fence or into a strong tree — wherever drama is required.
Where: This lovely grape prefers a location with full sun to light or open shade. It prefers well-drained soil, but will tolerate sand or clay if the drainage is adequate.
Size: This climber grows to be 30 feet wide and 60 feet tall when mature.
Care: Once established it only needs occasional watering during dry weather. Provide ample room for this large vine to mature. No pruning is necessary, but it can be pruned in winter to control its growth. Hard pruning will result in robust growth and larger than typical foliage.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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