PLANT OF THE WEEK

ORNAMENTAL VINES

Most people think there are two types of grape vines – those for eating and those for making wine. But there’s a third, vines that have decorative leaves and edible fruit – and there are two top varieties.

Vitis vinifera “Purpurea” has deep red leaves that turn purple in the autumn, matching the bunches of small sweet grapes that ripen at the same time. “Brandt” has green leaves that take on bold orange and red autumn tints from now onwards, with bunches of small, sweet, black grapes.

Both of their fruits are small, tasty and sweet. In a good summer, they will ripen enough to make enjoyable eating as dessert fruit. If the summer turns out to be a dud, the fruits don’t develop enough sugars, but they are still good for making wine.