As we are in the midst of summer’s heat, I continue to appreciate the beautiful screening provided by this amazing vine – Vitis californica – aka ‘Roger’s Red’ – a hybrid of the native California wild grape. This vine climbs up my own porch fence (with two wires above it) and now provides a beautiful privacy screen throughout the spring, summer and fall. This beautiful vine is one of my TOP TEN must have plants for every California garden. It has lush bright green new growth in spring, followed by an abundance of delicate dark purple grape clusters, culminating with brilliant red colors in the fall that highlight the change of seasons in stunning fashion. It also protects other garden plants from pest infestations by attracting birds who generally pick clean the grape clusters in the fall. This plant is extraordinarily easy to cultivate, requires modest water once established (drought tolerant even!) and is adaptable to a variety of soils. It grows in full sun or partial sun.
I have used this vine in several clients’ landscape designs and it never fails to please!
French Design & Fine Gardening 