Glove affair for climber that hits rainbow
Some plants have an impact far above their relative value. For a few days, perhaps weeks, they are transformed from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
One of these extraordinary plants is Vitis coignetiae, which, come autumn, pushes itself to the front of the queue. It grows in the sun or half-shade in any rich, welldrained soil.
It’s a vigorous decorative vine with inedible fruits, but let it produce its leaves and, in October, it will take your breath away because it is then that the foliage transforms into a rainbow of colours.
Let it clamber its way over a wall or fence and it will stop people in their tracks – this is truly one of the finest of autumn’s sights, surpassing even the splendour of Virginia creeper, perhaps the best-known of colourful autumnal climbers.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia, to give it its Latin name, is a rampant climber. It bears inconspicuous flowers in summer, followed by small blackberries in autumn but its autumn colour places it among the finest of shrubs – its fresh green leaves turn glorious shades of red and orange before falling to help fill the compost bin.
However, the leaves of Virginia creeper do contain tiny needles of calcium oxalate, or raphides, which can cause blistering and irritation in susceptible people. So when pruning Virginia creeper vines in the winter or early spring, wear gloves.
Be also aware that vines which become detached will not reattach to a surface, so they should be cut off, as should any dead or diseased vines.
There are other climbers that help make autumn a colourful time of year, including Akebia quinata, an unusual plant best grown in warmer gardens since the flowers are prone to damage from late frosts.
Grow it in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, ideally with some shelter provided. Alternatively, grow it in a conservatory or greenhouse. You may know it better as the chocolate vine.