Content Detail

Crimson glory vine is an ornamental grape grown for its excellent fall color. The produced fruit is not edible. This plant may be difficult to find in nurseries.

  • Family (English) Grape
  • Family (botanic) Vitaceae
  • Tree or plant type Vine
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Large plant (more than 24 inches)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Season of interest early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Vining
  • Growth rate Fast

Size and method of climbing:

Crimson glory vine is vigorous and can grow up to 20 feet long.  It climbs by tendrils by twisting around a support. This type of vine grows well on trellises, arbors, wires or chain-link fences.

Native geographic location and habitat:

This is a native to Japan and Korea.

Leaf description:

The simple, alternate leaves are large, often up to 10 inches long and wide.  Leaves are three to five lobe and resemble grape leaves. Fall color is excellent, various shades of red. This is the main ornamental feature of the plant.

Flower description:

Clusters of small, green flowers are not ornamentally important.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

The fruit are small and purple-black in color, similar to wild grapes, but are NOT edible.

Plant care: 

Grow in full sun for the best fall color, although this vine will also grow in partial shade. Plant in moist, well-drained soils. Since the plant is a vigorous grower it can be pruned heavily each year.  

List of pests, diseases and tolerances:

Powdery mildew and Japanese beetles can be a problem. It is tolerant of black walnut toxicity.

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