Maiden grapes are widespread in the territory North America, in East Asia and the Himalayas. It takes root best in areas with moderate climatic conditions. The tri-pointed maiden grape grows in large numbers in the south-west of Primorye, in Japan and Korea.
The five-leafed species (P. quinquefolia) is represented by a liana with ligneous shoots up to 20-25 m high. Young shoots have a characteristic reddish coloration, which eventually changes to brownish green color... The foliage is palmate petiolar, alternating.
IN autumn period leaves turn red or purple. The plant is able to cling to the surfaces and ledges of the walls with the help of thin and well-branched whiskers, which grow from the nodal part of the foliage and are modified inflorescences. The flowers are small, pale green or pale yellow, collected in paniculate inflorescences. After flowering, small fruit-berries with seeds are formed.
Less common are the triangular species, which has three-lobed and ternary green foliage, and the attached species, which forms a medium-sized liana with palmate, three to five-leafed leaves.
Girlish grapes: planting and care
The most popular varieties of the five-leaf feed in our country are small-leaved "Engelman" and decorative leaf "Wall". Popular varieties of the triangular look include variegated "Golden" and red-leaved "Purple", and Vici.
Site selection and soil requirements
This decorative culture is absolutely not capricious and its cultivation can be carried out both in sunny areas and in shaded areas. The light level affects the intensity of the coloration of the foliage.
Grapes grown in the southern areas in the fall replace green tint foliage to red, orange or burgundy color. Planting a crop on the north side allows you to preserve the green color of the leaves until the leaves fall. The soil must be fertile enough with good air permeability.
Features of growing maiden grapes (video)
Planting technology and timing
The standard process for planting girlish grapes consists of the following simple activities:
- digging up and cleaning the site from weeds about a week before planting an ornamental crop;
- preparation of planting pits of sufficient size with the arrangement of a drainage layer of bricks, rubble or pebbles;
- backfill over the drainage layer of a relatively high layer of medium-grained sand;
- preparation and backfilling of soil mixture based on two parts garden soil, two parts of compost and part of sand.
In a hole filled with a nutritious soil substrate, you need to plant a sapling of maiden grapes, after which it is enough to water the plant abundantly.
Formative pruning
Taking proper care of a fast-growing crop is a must. Pruning woody shoots is done in the autumn. Annual green branches can be pruned throughout the entire period of active growing season.
Other care activities
Water the plant sparingly, only three to four times throughout the season, using about a bucket of water for each plant. Good the result is given by feeding mineral fertilizers, as well as mulching the soil with organic matter.
How to propagate girlish grapes
Reproduction by cuttings is the most popular in home gardening. Standard grafting makes it very easy to get a large amount of quality planting material.
Layers
Many gardeners prefer to propagate ornamental crops by layering. This method is considered one of the easiest and most convenient. In the early spring on vines you need to select two or three year old shoots, and fix them with the help of special metal studs on the ground surface.
The attachment point is sprinkled with soil, and standard care consists in regular watering. After about a year, at the beginning of the next spring, the rooted branches must be cut off from the mother plant, and then the young plant with the root system must be carefully dug out and transferred to a previously prepared planting site.
How to plant girlish grapes (video)
Using seeds
It is not too difficult to propagate girly grapes with seed. It should be noted that grapes germinate rather slowly. Seeds are sown in spring or fall. Front spring sowing seeds need stratification, which lasts for about a month and a half. Moistened clean sand is used for stratification. A container filled with sand and the planted seeds is placed in a cool place with temperature regime within 4-5 ° C. After stratification, the grapes form shoots in about three weeks. Sowing in the autumn allows you to get seedlings no earlier than spring in next year.
Propagation of girlish grapes in autumn by cuttings
Cuttings root most quickly, in the nodes of which the rudiments of the future root system are already presentrepresented by small outgrowths. The rooting rate in this case is almost one hundred percent. Each stalk should have approximately two to four knots.Rooting can be carried out both in water and in soil. It is recommended to give preference to the second rooting option:
- planting cuttings cut and treated with growth stimulants in seedling containers filled with a mixture based on non-acidic peat with the addition of clean river sand;
- spring cuttingsthat do not have leaves, you need to deepen along the lower node, and summer cuttings will require full deepening of a piece of last year's wood;
- in each planting container you need to install a support and tie up the plant;
- water abundantly and place in a warm place with adequate lighting.
The main care consists in regular watering with separated water. On permanent place the plant is planted in open ground only the next year.
How fast maiden grapes grow
Unpretentious, frost-resistant and shade-tolerant decorative liana grows quickly enough. Even small seedlings are capable of forming about 80-110 cm of young growth in one season.
More mature plants annually form about one and a half meters of growth, so in five years such an ornamental culture is able to completely entangle its aboveground part two-story building. It is best to plant girlish grapes in sunny areas, where the plant grows faster and the coloring of the leaves turns out to be more picturesque.
Variants of using a plant in landscape design
In culture, the liana-like plant, maiden grapes is very widely used when performing landscaping on vertical walls and all kinds of fences. The decorative culture can be used to decorate almost any vertical structure, including pergolas and walls located in semi-shaded or fairly shaded areas. It is also allowed to grow girlish grapes on balconies and loggias.
It should be remembered that the cultivation of maiden grapes can be fraught with some complications. Strong root system plants can destroy the foundationas well as a fast and aggressive crop plant, it is able to suppress the growth of all plants around. A fast-growing liana very often penetrates under the roofing materials and violates their integrity. Also, drainage systems are clogged with leaf litter. It is best to plant the plant along the fence, around the veranda and gazebo.
How to trim maiden grapes (video)
Maiden grapes of any kind and regardless of the variety, it is quite easy to multiply independently, and also completely unpretentious in care, thanks to which it has become extremely popular among domestic gardeners. When growing, such an ornamental culture does not require much attention, therefore it is well suited even for novice owners of backyard and garden plots.
6 minutes read
A thicket of maiden grapes, also known as virgin ivy, can transform your vacation home to a fairytale castle, and private plot - to the magic garden. Its tight lianas densely braid the walls, gazebos, hedges, giving the buildings a touch of the Middle Ages. And what is especially to the liking of summer residents - there is no need to often visit maiden grapes. Planting and caring for him is conditional, he develops well without attention from the gardener. The combination of unpretentiousness and high decorativeness made the perennial a favorite decoration of many gardens.
Plant features
The plant got its name from virgin ivy due to its ability to form fruits without pollination. This perennial crop has a nondescript flowering, and its fruits are not eaten. Its main advantage, which is used with pleasure in landscape design, is a dense ornamental foliage.
Reference. Perennial vines grow at a high speed, clinging antennae to any surface and are able to cover in a short period of time with a thick impenetrable carpet large areas - walls, fences, arbors.
The palm leaves are bright green. With the arrival of cold weather, the greens begin to turn purple, and until winter, the garden plot will be decorated with foliage of red and purple shades.
Ripe maiden grapes
Place in open ground for growing grapes, it is better to choose a vertical support, so that the vines have room to grow. Without pruning from time to time, this perennial crop will fill all available space. This feature is used in landscape design to disguise unattractive outbuildings, as well as raw walls houses. Another useful quality plants is the ability to improve the microclimate by inhibiting the development of certain pathogens.
Varieties and types of maiden grapes
The maiden grape belongs to the Grape family. The perennial has 12 species, most of them grow in the countries of Asia, Sulfur America. Their varieties are mainly used outdoors for decorative purposes.
Five-leaf maiden grapes
The most popular in landscape design are two varieties:
- Five-leafed maiden grape. This variety has another common name - Virginian grapes. The growth rate of shoots is about 2.5 m per year. It is able to twine with its thickets buildings about 15 m high. The leaves are palmate, complex, up to 10 cm long, elongated with a pointed tip. Characteristic feature the variety is the coloration of the foliage with the onset of autumn in an intense red color. Known as cultivated plant since 1622, so it is not uncommon to meet him not only in photos of modern magazines, but also in paintings of the Renaissance and Enlightenment.
- Tri-pointed girlish grapes. Ivy grapes are another famous name for this popular variety... He received it for the external resemblance of the foliage of plants. As a rule, it has a three-lobed leaf shape. Liana reaches a length of 15-20 meters. Perennial belongs to frost-resistant plants. With the advent of cold weather, the bright shiny color of the foliage is replaced by various shades of red - purple, orange. Tri-pointed grapes have their own distinct varieties. Golden is distinguished by a combination of yellow spots on the leaves, purple - dark burgundy shades of foliage, Vicha grapes - small leaves with a shiny surface, which becomes orange with the onset of autumn cold weather.
Reference. The length of the Vich grape vine at favorable conditions grows up to 4 m per year. It is cultivated both outdoors and as a pot culture.
Preparing for landing
Planting the plant works well both in well-lit and shady places. At the same time, it should be taken into account that, with the arrival of cold weather, to observe the magnificent autumn color of the perennial maiden grapes, cultivation should take place in a sunny area.
Triangular maiden grapes
When planting is carried out at the support on the north side, the crop retains its green color until winter leaves fall. Another advantage that accompanies cultivation on the southern and eastern sides is faster propagation and relatively larger leaf formation.
Sowing seeds in open ground is carried out in the fall, planting of seedlings is also carried out in the spring. The plant has no particular preferences for the composition of the soil. But the girlish grapes, which are grown on specially prepared soil mixtures, are especially successful. To do this, take:
- 2 pieces of garden land;
- 2 parts;
- 1 part sand.
All components are thoroughly mixed and the resulting substrate is filled with planting pits for cuttings.
Seed propagation
Growing grapes from seeds is more likely to be done by sophisticated gardeners. This is a long and laborious process, which is not always crowned with success - the seeds quickly lose their germination, and the shelf life does not exceed 1 year. But this method is the only possible if there is no way to get perennial cuttings for breeding.
Girlish grapes in the garden
Seeds need stratification. It can be natural, 3 months, if sowing is done in the fall before winter. If it is carried out in the spring, this procedure is carried out at an accelerated pace 6-7 weeks before the planned sowing date at home:
- A small container is filled with clean sand.
- The sand is sprayed with water and the seeds are immersed in its mass.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap.
- Leave the container with crops in the refrigerator or cellar. The temperature is maintained at + 5 ° C.
- Care consists in regularly moistening the sand. Watering is carried out until sprouts hatch from the seeds.
After such preparatory measures, seedlings in the open field can be expected a month after sowing.
Planting cuttings
Reproduction by cuttings is easier and faster. Liana will not be difficult to cut to obtain planting material, which takes root at high speed in the open field.
Home decor with thickets of maiden grapes
Landing is performed in the following sequence:
- Cuttings with at least four buds are selected.
- The stalk is planted in the planting pit so that two buds remain on the surface.
- The sprouts need watering immediately after planting.
- The beds are shaded from direct sunlight.
- Care consists in regularly moisturizing young plantings.
Important. For propagation by cuttings, the lignified part of the vine is chosen. Planting material procure in early spring, before the start of sap flow.
Reproduction by layering
Reproduction by layering is suitable for those gardeners on whose plots maiden grapes are already growing - planting and care in this case is carried out immediately from the mother plant. For this:
- In the spring, 2 or 3-year-old vines are selected.
- They are tilted to the ground and fixed.
- Sprinkle with fertile soil at the place of fixation.
- Separate care for the layers is not needed, except for regular watering.
- A year later, the formed plant is dug up and transplanted.
Further care
The main care of a perennial is regular pruning of excess shoots and the installation of additional supports for vines. In the photo, the branches beautifully braid the walls of buildings, but behind the dense foliage it is simply not visible that often gardeners install a netting under a weaving plant or stretch trellises.
Girlish grapes in landscape design
Watering the plant is needed only at a young age. Adult plant can do without artificial soil moisture. In addition, a mature perennial does not need shelter for the winter. Young plantings, on the other hand, need to be protected from frost.
Fertilization
Fertilizer is desirable to apply together with watering the grapes. As a top dressing, nitroammofoska is used. In the phase of active growth, complex fertilizer will not harm.
Measures to improve soil quality have a beneficial effect on the development of perennials. It is advisable to loosen the soil, bringing in peat and humus for digging. Two-year compost can be used as organic fertilizer. In addition to other traditional nutrients, sawdust, fallen decayed foliage can be used as mulch.
Foreword
Girlish grapes - ornamental plant, which is able to decorate a personal plot in a matter of months. Under the cover of green ivy (as it is also called), all the buildings look very impressive and fabulous. Liana care and cultivation are not at all difficult, girlish grapes will reciprocate any attention.
Maiden grapes - the main characteristic features
The first question that involuntarily arises: why is this grape called maiden? It's simple: for the flowers of this plant, there is no need for fertilization with pollen in order to eventually form seeds. That is why its second name is virgin ivy.
Maiden grapes are in great demand in, on the market you will find different varieties, the total number of which reaches 15. In the summer, the leaves delight the eye with their rich green color, but in autumn they become incredibly colorful - bright yellow and red. This plant can grow up to 30 meters long! For 1 year, vines grow by about 3 meters.
Growing more and more every year, virgin ivy creates a dense green cover that cleans the air well and is able to hide any imperfections in a building or house.
Due to the fact that the ivy has disc-shaped suction cups, there is no need to fix it to the wall - he will do it himself! This plant climbs quite easily up any flat surface and grows on it. It should be noted that in winter, maiden grapes are able to withstand rather low temperatures down to -25 ° C.
Planting girlish grapes - breeding methods
Care and growing starts with correct fit plants when the maiden grape receives a permanent habitat. Reproduction of maiden grapes can take place in three ways: by seeds, layers and cuttings. Anyone can cope with the landing.
During planting, the distance between seedlings should be at least 1 meter. The plant is determined in specially prepared tubs or dug holes, the size of which should be 50 by 50 cm. The soil should not be dry, it is better to pre-fertilize it. As a rule, a rather strong plant grows from one stalk, so you should not define several in one hole or tub.
When to plant maiden grapes? It is best to do this in early spring from the south side of the room or fence. After planting the cutting, it should be well watered. While the plant is small, you need to make it a support in the form of a wire or a stick - this will help the vine to begin intensive upward growth.
Care and cultivation - girlish grapes in all their glory
The rules for caring for a girl's grapes are quite simple, since this plant does not require special care. Virgin ivy is unpretentious, and taking care of it consists in timely watering and pruning dry lashes. But still, in order for the plant to please with its splendor and beauty, it is worth more closely monitoring its growth.
Methods and timing of reproduction of maiden grapes
Parthenocissus (the correct name for maiden grapes) is propagated mainly by cuttings and layering. It is so simple and effective that practically no one resorts to other breeding methods - except in special cases. Cuttings and cuttings can be rooted almost all season: from early spring, without even waiting for the leaves to unfold, and until autumn, while the weather allows you to tinker with the ground.
How to cut cuttings correctly
Spring
In spring and early summer, last year's lignified shoot is taken from the girl's grapes for cuttings. Those parts where there are already rudiments of roots in the form of small outgrowths will take root faster. Although the rest are also suitable. The rooting rate of parthenocissus is almost 100% - without the use of stimulants.
Cut the lash into shanks with 2-4 knots. The cuttings are ready.
Summer
If we take cuttings in the middle of summer, by this time lateral shoots are already growing from the nodes of last year's lash.
When their base begins to woody, you can get a stalk already from each node of last year's lash of maiden grapes. Such cuttings are called hammer-shaped.
If the nodes are close together, you can take cuttings for 2-3 nodes. The seedling will be thicker: shoots will go from each node.
How to root grape cuttings
Rooting in water
Maiden grapes easily root by simply placing the cuttings in water. But water roots woody plants usually do not function after transplanting into the ground: they will die off and be replaced by permanent ones. For a parthenocissus, this is not a problem, he will survive the adaptation well. But the time spent in a jar of water will be practically wasted for the plant. Therefore, it makes sense to put cuttings in water only if in the near future you do not have the opportunity to plant them. It is more correct to immediately plant them in the ground.
Rooting in the ground
You can propagate girlish grapes by rooting cuttings immediately in a permanent place. But it makes sense to do this if the landing site is separated from the rest of the space by a path or curb and it is possible to water and weed the entire planting area well. In the first 2-3 years, the aboveground part of the maiden grapes will grow very slowly, the shoots will begin to grow actively only when the roots go about a meter deep. And at first, the seedlings of parthenocissus will be lost for a long time among the weeds. They can be accidentally pulled out, mowed or trampled.
You can plant cuttings for propagation on a growing bed, but in the garden the maiden grapes will weave into a solid ball next year: when transplanting, the roots and lashes will be difficult to make out.
Therefore, the most practical way - root and keep the plants in individual pots in the first year. It is better to take larger pots: 12-15 cm in diameter.
Disembarkation in containers
Plant the cuttings in containers, in non-acidic peat with the addition of sand (1/4).
In spring cuttings (without leaves), deepen the lower node, in summer cuttings - a piece of last year's wood completely.
Place a support in each container, tie the leaves, and water.
Leave the pots with cuttings in this state until next year. All they need is regular watering. Find a place for them in the shade and cool (but no wind) so that the soil does not dry out too quickly.
It will be possible to plant plants in a permanent place next year from April to August (but not in the hottest weeks). If planting does not take place next year, then the girlish grapes will endure in containers a second winter. Strongly regrown shoots can be shortened so that they do not get mixed up in the fall.
It is not necessary to add pots for the winter. The roots of the maiden grape are relatively frost-resistant. Find a secluded place for the seedlings where there will be no icy wind and where the snow does not blow away. If you are in doubt whether the plants have been correctly positioned for the winter, scoop up dry leaves to the walls of the containers and cover all this with inverted vegetable boxes until spring. So the plants will definitely not freeze.
Do you still doubt whether it is worth planting maiden grapes in the garden? Throw away all doubts and get down to business! There is no more easy-to-grow and care for vines to decorate the site. With the help of maiden grapes, you can turn a barn into a fabulous palace, a pergola into a mysterious tent, and a chain-link fence into an impenetrable wall. We will tell you how this plant reproduces in the open field, we will help you with choosing a variety for planting. The article is illustrated with colorful photos.
Description of the plant: varieties and varieties
The botanical name - Parthenocissus, translated as "virgin ivy", belongs to the grape family, has a second name - "maiden grapes".
Maiden grapes are often used to decorate the territory of the personal plot
The genus Parthenocissus consists of 19 species. We grow two types of maiden grapes in the open field:
- Five-leaf (Parthenocissusguinguefolia);
- Tri-pointed (Parthenocissustricuspidata).
Five-leaf maiden grape
The five-leafed virgin ivy is a vine with five palmate leaves. Leaves are oval, pointed. For growth, a support is needed, to which the vine is attached with the antennae on the shoots. With normal development, the shoots reach a length of more than 18 meters. Blooms in summer. The fruits are inedible. In autumn, the green foliage turns red. Prefers to grow in full sun. Very frost resistant.
The tri-pointed maiden grape is a vine with three finger-like leaves. At the ends of the shoots there are up to 10 antennae, with which the plant is attached to the support. The antennae have suction cups, so you would rather break the shoot than be able to tear it off the support. Shoots grow up to 10 meters. Less frost resistant than five-leafed.
Viche variety
Maiden grape varieties:
- Henry is good for house breeding. It is planted in fairly deep containers. Suitable for bonsai.
- Attached - grown as a houseplant.
- Enelman - he has small, tightly fitting leaves. It grows very quickly.
- Hairy - the leaves are pubescent from below, like young shoots. It hibernates badly.
- Viche is a very popular triangular grape variety.
Planting a plant
Maiden grapes do not require particularly fertile soil and do not like dry and depleted soil, they tolerate slight soil salinization. It is undemanding to lighting. Feels good in the sun and in the shade. But still keep in mind that planting in the shade will affect the color of its foliage in the fall - it will remain green until the very frost and will not turn into a beautiful burgundy or yellow, and also the liana may not bloom and not form picturesque clusters with dark berries.
Planting time does not matter, the vine takes root equally well in spring and autumn. According to gardeners, it is enough just to plant and water, and then the grapes grow on their own - just manage to cut off the excess growth.
Girlish grapes grow well without constant care
A week before planting in a permanent place, you need to prepare and cultivate the soil. Remove the weeds and dig a 50 x 60 cm planting hole. Mix the removed soil with a bucket of compost and a bucket of sand. At the bottom of the pit you need to pour liter jar ash or 300-400 g of double superphosphate. Arrange drainage: crushed stone, broken brick, expanded clay (which is at hand) are placed on the bottom, boards or pieces of slate are placed on top so that the drainage does not quickly float into the ground. Pour in part of the excavated soil. Next, spread the roots of the seedling and add the remaining soil. Form an irrigation hole and mulch. The distance between the seedlings is recommended at least 1 m. After planting, be sure to water well.
If you plan to grow a perennial maiden grape groundcover over a large area, then the plants need to be planted every 0.6 m, and 2-4 pieces should be planted in each hole.
Plan in advance the area for growing maiden grapes
While the vine is small, support or tie it up to guide the plant in the desired direction. An adult plant needs serious support, so the vine is planted in open ground on long years, then take care of this in advance.
Important. When planting maiden grapes, do not deepen the root collar - it should be located at ground level.
Maiden grape care
Maiden grapes are a very unpretentious tree-like liana; in open ground, caring for it is quite simple, it is enough just to regularly and in time to sanitize pruning of lashes and water in severe drought. Without pruning, this beautiful plant can turn into ugly thickets.
The most important thing is to carry out the formation of culture on time
It is not necessary to cover the plant for the winter, since frost-resistant varieties prevail in our latitudes, but even if the whips freeze, then there is nothing wrong - new young shoots will emerge from the replacement buds. It is enough just to cut the lashes to healthy wood.
For the first few years, the vine is actively increasing the root mass; during this period, fertilizing with fertilizers is required twice during the growing season. You also need to tie up a young plant, in the future it will find support by itself, clinging to antennae and aerial roots for any roughness on the surface.
Fortified virgin ivy will give an annual growth of several meters. So that the vine does not entangle the entire area, let's figure out how to carry out the formation.
For girlish grapes, you definitely need support
- The growing young shoots need to be guided along the support, thus forming the skeleton of the plant.
- Those shoots that do not grow where you need to do not be afraid to remove immediately. It won't hurt the vine.
- After the skeleton has been formed, only sanitary pruning in the spring and restraining pruning in the summer is carried out. All weak, damaged shoots are removed, as well as those that thicken the plant or give a sloppy appearance.
Council. When trimming the shoots, leave no more than 5 mm above the bud, then you will save yourself from sticking out stumps of lashes, which looks ugly.
Fertilizing and feeding grapes
In the first three years, the root system of the plant is actively developing. In early summer or spring, you need to feed virgin ivy with nitroammophos - 40-50 g, or any other universal complex fertilizer. In the future, the plant does not need feeding.
Plant propagation
There are several ways to propagate girly grapes outdoors, choose the one that works best for you.
Propagation of girlish grapes by layering
Layers. In the spring, select a lash with buds and dig in several places to a depth of 5 cm, first pin it to the ground in these places with a wire or a hairpin. The end of the lash is not buried. Water well. Get some ready-grown seedlings by the fall.
Cuttings.Cuttings are made in spring or autumn. Select a 3-4 year old pencil-thick lash and cut into pieces with 4-5 green buds. Tear off all the leaves and plant so that two buds remain on the surface. To make the stalk root faster, slightly scratch the part that you dig in.
Council. If the cutting is planted in a sunny place, then you need to shade it before the formation of the first shoot, and water it regularly for good survival.
Cuttings of maiden grapes take root very easily
Seeds. This is a rather troublesome way. Ripe fruits should rot, after which the seeds must be carefully removed from them. In the spring, before planting, they need to be stratified for better germination. To do this, the seeds are first soaked for several hours in cold water, then placed in wet sand and refrigerated for a month.
Root offspring. This is perhaps the easiest way to breed virgin ivy. Where the vine comes into contact with the soil, roots are formed that take root easily. You just need to plant them in a permanent place, without deepening the root collar.
Diseases and pests
Diseases and pests bypass this vine, so you should not expect surprises from this side, which means that you will not have unnecessary trouble.
Most likely, there will be no need to protect girlish grapes from pests.
It is very rare that aphids settle on young shoots, they do not bring much harm. It is enough to wash it off with water from a hose or spray it with a solution of laundry soap with the addition of alcohol. If it doesn't help folk remedy, use the biological product "Fitoverm" or the insecticide "Fufanon" according to the instructions.
Maiden grapes combined with other plants
Other vines go well with girlish grapes in landscape design. Clematis, according to gardeners, grows even better with such a neighborhood, because virgin ivy protects the roots of clematis and the base of the stems from the sun.
It is good to combine girlish grapes with hops if green leaves regular hops seem too boring, plant an Aureus plant with yellow-green leaves. The green ornamental leaves of the maiden grape will favorably emphasize the flowers of the climbing rose and will become a support for it.
Maiden grapes decorating the gazebo
Against the background of a fence braided with a liana, conifers look good: spruce, juniper and thuja, if you add sod and barberry to this composition, then the conifers will visually lose their weight. When the maiden grapes shed their leaves, the coniferous group will come to the fore as a soloist.
Maiden grapes are surprisingly pliable plants with strong and flexible shoots. In landscape design, girlish grapes are most often used for vertical gardening of the walls of various buildings and structures: these are gazebos, fences, walls of outbuildings, retaining walls... Combine with other plants.
Virgin ivy multiplies easily and grows quickly: in 2-3 years it is able to completely drape a 2-storey building. In this case, the landing takes very small area, what is not less important.
Girlish grapes are able to create a shadow in a gazebo or disguise an ugly fence
From it, you can create a screen for zoning a site, disguise unsightly buildings and sites: septic tanks and compost heaps, hide the chain-link fence from the views of curious neighbors, and dry wood turn into a whimsical structure.
A garden with maiden grapes always looks richer visually: in summer these are green vertical planes, and in autumn bright yellow and red surfaces that bring a sense of coziness to the landscape and a romantic mood.
With ease, girlish grapes can tighten an entire building
Since it is a deciduous plant, from autumn to spring its lashes remain bare, and this does not always look attractive. On the other hand, strict lines of structures of fences, trellises, gazebos and pergolas come to the fore, and the vines lie on top like carpets.
This vine is used in landscaping as an excellent perennial groundcover in natural gardens. In addition to the decor, there are also advantages: it regulates the humidity on the site, protects from wind and sun, traps dust, reduces noise, the walls of a residential building covered with virgin ivy do not overheat in summer, and in autumn and winter they are well ventilated when foliage falls.
About girlish grapes: video
Girlish grapes: photo
If you want your country house to look original, for example, like a fairytale castle, and your backyard area resembled a magical garden, then you should pay attention to such a plant as maiden grapes.
In the process of development, it grows tight vines, which create a dense carpet on the wall, gazebo, hedges, which allows any objects to look as if they belong to the Middle Ages.
Features of maiden grapes
A photo of this plant can be found on the Internet, however, not everyone knows that it is known by a different name - virgin ivy... This can be explained by the fact that it can form fruit without pollination.
The flowers of the plant do not look attractive and are also not edible and fruit. However, for many summer residents, girlish grapes are interesting because they can be very successful use in landscaping, the main thing is how it attracts owners suburban areas - decorative foliage.
The leaves are finger-shaped and have a bright green color. The first frosts cause the foliage to change. original color to a more crimson one. However, until winter comes, the suburban area will not lose its main decoration, formed by leaves of red and purple flowers.
The owner will have to periodically prune the grapes, because in the absence of control over this perennial crop, it will fill all the free space.
Because of this property, girlish grapes have become widespread in landscape design, because with it you can easily hide unattractive outbuildings, as well as hide the raw walls of houses.
Among other advantages of plants, it is worth highlighting the fact that it contributes to the improvement of the microclimate, so it can suppress certain types of pathogens.
Varieties of wild decorative grapes
The main thing that attracts summer residents is this plant - girlish grapes do not require special care. Therefore, you only need to choose a landing site, after which it will develop independently.
Such advantages as unpretentiousness and pronounced decorative properties have become one of the main reasons why this perennial can often be found in many gardens.
Getting acquainted with the girl's grape, I must say that it is a representative of the Vinogradov family. It includes 12 species, many of which are found in Asia and North America.
Despite some of their differences, they all received wide use as a decoration in landscaping.
Types of maiden grapes and landscape design
Five-leaf maiden grapes... This variety is often referred to as the Virginian grape. In one year, its vines can reach a height of about 2.5 m.This is enough to cover a building 15 m high with thickets.
Leaves are finger-like complex shape, in length can reach 10 cm, at the end there is a pointed tip. This grape variety acquires the most pronounced decorative properties in autumn, when its foliage turns red.
They began to grow it as a cultivated plant in 1622. Therefore, it should not be surprising that photos of this variety can be present both in modern magazines and in paintings dating back to the Renaissance and Enlightenment.
Triangular maiden grapes... This variety is often referred to as an ivy grape. This can be explained by the fact that with its foliage it strongly resembles this plant. The leaves of this grape variety are three-bladed.
Shoots can grow up to 15–20 m in length. This grape variety perfectly tolerates negative temperatures. Already during the first frosts, noticeable changes take place in the appearance of this variety: instead of the usual color, the leaves acquire red-purple and orange shades.
In this plant, it is customary to distinguish individual varieties with pronounced features. Golden look has leaves decorated with yellow spots. In the purple variety, the foliage shimmers with dark burgundy shades.
The decorative properties of the Vich grape are also pronounced - its leaves small size have a shiny surface, and at the time of the first frost they change their usual color to orange.
Preparing for landing
Maiden grapes feel good not only in sunny places, but also in the shade. But it should be borne in mind that in the fall, when the first frosts come, the maiden grapes acquire a color characteristic of this period of the year.
However, many experts agree that the most suitable for growing this plant is sunny plot.
You can grow wild grapes near a fence or other support on the north side, however, in this case, it will not change its green color until the leaves begin to crumble due to the first cold weather.
Growing on the southern and eastern sides of the site is beneficial in that reproduction takes less time in these places, and the leaves grow larger.
You can sow seeds in the fall. As for the transplanting of seedlings, it is recommended to plan this work in the spring. Maiden grapes are not very picky about the quality of the soil.
However, this plant still feels better if it grows on purpose prepared potting mixes... For its preparation, the following components are required:
- 2 pieces of garden land.
- 2 parts compost.
- 1 part sand.
After thoroughly mixing all the ingredients, the pits prepared for planting cuttings are filled with this composition.
Seed propagation
As a rule, the cultivation of wild grapes from seeds is only practiced experienced summer residents... It is not recommended for beginners to use this breeding method, not only because this process takes a lot of time and effort.
Often, the desired result cannot be achieved because the seeds used may not germinate. However, in a situation where the gardener does not have planting material for reproduction, he has no other alternatives.
Stratification is a mandatory operation that seeds must go through before planting. It can be carried out in natural conditions: for this, seeds are sown in the fall in the ground, where they should be tempered during three months.
You can also do this in the spring, however, in this case, the time for sowing is chosen 6-7 weeks earlier than the usual time for sowing at home:
- A small container is taken, which is filled with clean sand.
- The sand must be shed well, and then the existing seeds must be sown into it.
- Then the container must be covered with a film.
- Next, the container must be placed in a cool place, such as a refrigerator. For the proper conduct of this procedure, it is necessary to ensure the temperature is within + 5 degrees Celsius.
- During certification, it is necessary to ensure that the sand is constantly wet. This is done until the moment when they begin to sprout sprouts from seeds.
If the seeds undergo such a preparatory treatment in the open field, then already a month after their sowing, the first shoots can be expected to appear.
Planting cuttings
Many gardeners choose the propagation method by cuttings because of the lower labor intensity and the time that they have to withstand before obtaining planting material. After cutting their vines placed in open groundwhere they take root rather quickly.
To obtain high-quality planting material, this work is carried out in the following order:
- for reproduction, cuttings are required with at least four buds;
- in the prepared hole, the cutting must be placed in such a way that two buds are located above the ground;
- planting must necessarily end with watering;
- in order to avoid burns, it is recommended to protect the garden from direct sunlight;
- you can get good seedlings if the soil is constantly moistened.
Reproduction by layering
This method of obtaining seedlings of wild grapes may be of interest to those who already have mature bushes on the site. In this case, planting and caring for young plants can be carried out immediately after choosing a place for a new bush.
The very process of reproduction in this way is carried out in the following order:
- At the beginning of spring, you need to outline vines at the age of two to three years.
- Further, they are bent to the ground and fixed in this position.
- The place of the bend must be covered with fertile soil.
- While waiting for the rooting of the cuttings, it is necessary to irrigate regularly.
- After a year, a full-fledged root system will form at the cuttings, after which they can be transplanted to a permanent place.
Further care
After receiving the planting material and transplanting it, the main care measures will be reduced to removing excess shoots and installing special supports for the growth of vines.
Although branches can often climb the walls of a building on their own, however, many gardeners come to their aid, specially installing the fence, for example, a chain-link.
Young bushes of maiden grapes experience the need for moisture only at a young age. Adult bushes have enough moisture, which comes with precipitation and from internal reserves.
Caring for perennials is also simplified because the owner does not have to carry out sheltering measures for the winter. However, for young plantings, this activity is mandatory.
Fertilization
For better assimilation of fertilizers, it is recommended to carry out top dressing while watering the grapes. To do this, you can use a nitroammophoska. In order to stimulate the growth of grapes, it is useful to apply complex fertilizers to the soil.
Maiden grapes respond well with active growth if measures are taken to improve the quality of the soil. Therefore, in addition to loosening, it is also recommended before planting introduce peat into the soil and humus.
Fertility can be increased by fertilizing the soil with two-year compost. The mulching operation is quite effective, during which sawdust or rotted foliage can be used.
Any suburban area, as well as a house located on it, can look unusual if you use an original approach to its design. One such idea might be to use girlish grapes.
This ornamental plant is capable of forming long shoots that can hide any tall buildings, creating medieval effect.
Naturally, the cultivation of this plant has its own characteristics. Special attention need to be given to young seedlings, since they not only need regular watering, but also protection from frost.
However, adult plants are unpretentious, so the owner will only be required to pruningif he wants to restrict further distribution of grapes.
The maiden grape is an ornamental growing species of the genus Parthenocissus. It grows in the form of lianas, twisting around gazebos, fences, trees and other structures. Such unusual name he received thanks to his peculiarity: for the formation of seeds he does not need fertilization with pollen, a kind of "immaculate conception." It is also called "virgin ivy".
General information
Its shoots can spread to distances up to 20 m.Therefore, it is worthwhile to carefully monitor that the violently growing shoots do not close the windows (creating darkness in the rooms), do not rise too high, climbing under the tiles or slate, thereby destroying them, and not prevent vines from getting into the gutter, clogging it.
To do this, it is worth cutting off excess shoots in time. It should also be borne in mind that grapes have very dense roots, so do not plant other crops near them, it will be difficult for them to break through these shoots. It should also be noted that after winter, while everything around begins to turn green, "girlish" grapes are in no hurry to revive.
Maiden grapes bloom in summer (July), but very modestly. But the flowers are fragrant and attract bees and bumblebees.
Varieties and types
Ivy maiden grapes (tri-pointed) has decorative garden varieties, which are in demand due to their unusual configuration of leaves and color (not only in autumn). For example, purple ivy has dark purple leaves, and golden has yellow spots on green leaves.
Vich's maiden grape - the most common variety, has small smooth leaves with three pointed ends. In autumn, they acquire an orange-red color.
Virginian maiden grapes or five-leaf has dark green leaves, consisting of 5 leaves, an egg of a similar shape with pointed ends, in the summer, and in the fall it acquires a reddish or burgundy tint. There are also small clusters of small, dark, inedible berries.
This species tolerates severe frosts well even without special shelter. Not whimsical to the choice of soil and place (sunny or shady). It grows very quickly (up to 3 m per year). The dense foliage protects the walls of the house from overheating, dust, wind and rain, thereby reducing dampness inside the house and near the foundation.
Girlish grapes "STAR SHOWERS" or variegated - highly decorative variety, has an unusual white-green leaf color that changes from prolonged cold weather.
Girlish grapes Yellow Wall ("Yellow Wall") - in the fall, the leaves from green acquire a yellow tint.
Girlish grapes "Red Wall (Troki)" - has a glossy leaf surface, in autumn they turn purple-red.
Girlish grapes "Henry", it does not tolerate frost, so it can be grown in an apartment. Its young shoots have a tetrahedral cross-section, and the leaves consist of 5-7 separate leaves.
Girlish grapes planting and care
The grapes do not require a specific planting site, but the color of the foliage can depend on the lighting. If you plant it on the south side, then in autumn the foliage will acquire a bright and attractive crimson palette, and on the north side the foliage will remain green and without bunches of berries.
In lighted areas, the plant grows faster and has larger foliage. Liana takes root in spring and autumn, but experts advise choosing autumn (September-October).
Soil for maiden grapes
To begin with, a week before planting, the land at the planting site must be dug up. Then a hole is dug 50-60 cm deep and drainage is laid on the bottom (for example, broken brick) and covered with a layer of sand (20 cm). After that, the substrate is prepared: two parts of leafy soil, two parts of compost and part of sand.
Watering the maiden grapes
Watering ornamental grapes requires moderate watering. It will be quite enough three to four times a season, while using at least 10 liters of water per bush. If the summer is very hot, then the number of watering is increased, the main thing is that the earth does not dry out.
Fertilizers of maiden grapes
Fertilizers can be applied at the beginning of summer (together with water for irrigation they are fed with nitroammophos), and during active growth, apply complex fertilizers.
From time to time it is necessary to remove weeds, loosen the soil and mulch the area around the ivy. Mulching is carried out at the beginning of summer, using peat, humus or compost (6 cm layer). In the fall, the layer is updated, embedding the old one in the ground.
Pruning maiden grapes
Pruning is carried out in the spring (during the dormant period), frozen, dried, weakened or damaged shoots and leaves are removed, and branches that have gone beyond the zone allotted by you are shortened (they close the windows, climb under the roof, etc.).
Girlish grapes preparing for winter
Most types of girlish grapes do not need shelter for the winter, they are quite frost-resistant, even if some of them freeze, they will quickly recover, thanks to dormant buds.
Propagation of girlish grapes by cuttings
We prepare the place: dig a hole of the desired size under the cutting, far from the rest of the plants, due to the growth of the root system. Mix the soil from this pit with compost, sand and fertilizer (two handfuls).
Then lay the drainage on the bottom, add a little of the resulting substrate on top, place the cutting at a slight angle and cover with the remaining earth. Now you need to water the grapes well and form a hole in order for precipitation (rainwater) to linger in it.
For a young plant, it is necessary to form a support so that it is easier for it to grow upwards, then it can be removed. If the grapes grow near the house, then there is no need for support, it will crawl along the wall, clinging to a rough surface. Cuttings are cut at any time of the year, choosing shoots with at least five healthy buds.
Maiden grapes propagation by layering
For this method, a long lash is taken, which is planted in a wave-like manner (part in the ground, another above the ground, the next in the ground again, and so on) into a groove no more than 5 cm deep. The part in the ground must be secured with a hairpin or paper clip. Then water well.
There is another way: a shorter layering is selected and a whip is laid out in the same shallow moistened groove, the top rises 10-15 cm above the ground (if it does not hold itself, then put a support).
Growing maiden grapes from seeds
Seeds are propagated by grapes in spring or autumn, planting in loose soil no deeper than 1 cm. To increase the germination rate, the seeds are pre-soaked. When planting in the spring, the seeds are soaked in cold water (3-5 hours), thereby hardening them, then placed in moist soil and refrigerated for several days.
Reproduction by root suckers
The root system, formed by the shoots of vines, is very branched. Root offspring are easily separated and planted in a new place. The main thing is that the root collar should be above the surface of the ground, and not covered.
Diseases and pests
This ornamental plant rarely gets sick and only because of violations of the rules of care: abundant watering or, on the contrary, drying out of the soil, as well as a lack of fertilizers. Sometimes pests also look at the grapes, insecticides will help in the fight against them.
Girlish grapes benefit or harm
There are many different opinions about this decorative grapes... Someone thinks that he is doing harm: it clogs the drain, interferes with the growth of other plants, weaves along the wall overgrown with windows and makes his way onto the roofs and destroys the tiled and slate roofs. But all this can be avoided by cutting off unnecessary ends in a timely manner.
The benefits are actually much greater: with the help of vines, you can disguise old and unremarkable buildings and structures, create hedges instead of boring fences, and also decorate arches and gazebos. In addition, dense foliage is able to protect from wind and cold.
Most varieties can please with bright colors in autumn, attracting and pleasing to the eye. There is a myth that mold is formed under a dense ivy carpet from dampness. In fact, this is not the case, grapes absorb moisture.
Girlish grape tincture
IN traditional medicine There is one known recipe for an infusion of the branches of a maiden grape, which is used by cancer patients for resorption of tumors, as a hemostatic agent.
Preparation of infusion: Take 10 g of chopped, dried branches, pour into a glass bowl, pour 300 ml of boiling water, then put in a water bath for 7-8 minutes. Set aside and let it brew and cool.
Now you can strain through a sieve or cheesecloth and add a little water (to return the original volume). Take 100 ml during various bleeding 3-4 times a day.
Thickets of maiden grapes, also known as virgin ivy, can turn your country house into a fairytale castle, and your backyard into a magical garden. Its tight vines densely braid the walls, gazebos, hedges, giving the buildings a touch of the Middle Ages. And what is especially to the liking of summer residents - there is no need to often visit maiden grapes. Planting and caring for him is conditional, he develops well without attention to him from the gardener. The combination of unpretentiousness and high decorativeness made the perennial a favorite decoration of many gardens.
Plant features
The plant got its name from virgin ivy due to its ability to form fruits without pollination. This perennial crop has a nondescript flowering, and its fruits are not eaten. Its main advantage, which is used with pleasure in landscape design, is its dense decorative foliage.
Reference. Perennial vines grow at a high speed, clinging to any surfaces with antennae and are capable of covering large areas with a thick impenetrable carpet in a short period of time - walls, fences, altanka.
The palm leaves are bright green. With the arrival of cold weather, the greens begin to turn purple, and until winter, the garden plot will be decorated with foliage of red and purple shades.
Ripe maiden grapes
It is better to choose a place in open ground for growing grapes near a vertical support, so that the vines have room to grow. Without pruning from time to time, this perennial crop will fill all available space. This feature is used in landscape design to disguise unattractive outbuildings, as well as untreated walls of houses. Another useful quality of the plant is the ability to improve the microclimate by inhibiting the development of some pathogens.
Varieties and types of maiden grapes
The maiden grape belongs to the Grape family. The perennial has 12 species, most of them grow in the countries of Asia, Sulfur America. Their varieties are mainly used outdoors for decorative purposes.
Five-leaf maiden grapes
The most popular in landscape design are two varieties:
- Five-leafed maiden grape. This variety has another common name - Virginian grapes. The growth rate of shoots is about 2.5 m per year. It is able to twine with its thickets buildings about 15 m high. The leaves are palmate, complex, up to 10 cm long, elongated with a pointed tip. A characteristic feature of the variety is the color of the foliage with the onset of autumn in an intense red color. It has been known as a cultivated plant since 1622, so it is not uncommon to find it not only in photos of modern magazines, but also in paintings of the Renaissance and Enlightenment.
- Tri-pointed girlish grapes. Ivy grapes are another famous name for this popular variety. He received it for the external similarity of the foliage of plants. As a rule, it has a three-lobed leaf shape. Liana reaches a length of 15-20 meters. Perennial belongs to frost-resistant plants. With the advent of cold weather, the bright shiny color of the foliage is replaced by various shades of red - purple, orange. Tri-pointed grapes have their own distinct varieties. Golden is distinguished by a combination of yellow spots on the leaves, purple - dark burgundy shades of foliage, Vich grapes - small leaves with a shiny surface, which becomes orange with the onset of autumn cold weather.
Reference. The length of the Vich grape vine under favorable conditions grows up to 4 m per year. It is cultivated both outdoors and as a pot culture.
Preparing for landing
Planting the plant works well both in well-lit and shady places. At the same time, it should be taken into account that, with the arrival of cold weather, to observe the magnificent autumn color of the perennial maiden grapes, cultivation should take place in a sunny area.
Triangular maiden grapes
When planting is carried out at the support on the north side, the crop retains its green color until winter leaves fall. Another advantage that accompanies cultivation on the southern and eastern sides is faster propagation and relatively larger leaf formation.
Sowing seeds in open ground is carried out in the fall, planting of seedlings is also carried out in the spring. The plant has no particular preferences for the composition of the soil. But the girlish grapes, which are grown on specially prepared soil mixtures, are especially successful. To do this, take:
- 2 pieces of garden land;
- 2 parts compost;
- 1 part sand.
All components are thoroughly mixed and the resulting substrate is filled with planting pits for cuttings.
Seed propagation
Growing grapes from seeds is more likely to be done by sophisticated gardeners. This is a long and laborious process, which is not always crowned with success - the seeds quickly lose their germination, and the shelf life does not exceed 1 year. But this method is the only possible if there is no way to get perennial cuttings for breeding.
Girlish grapes in the garden
Seeds need stratification. It can be natural, 3 months, if sowing is done in the fall before winter. If it is carried out in the spring, this procedure is carried out at an accelerated pace 6-7 weeks before the planned sowing date at home:
- A small container is filled with clean sand.
- The sand is sprayed with water and the seeds are immersed in its mass.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap.
- Leave the container with crops in the refrigerator or cellar. The temperature is maintained at + 5 ° C.
- Care consists in regularly moistening the sand. Watering is carried out until sprouts hatch from the seeds.
After such preparatory measures, seedlings in the open field can be expected a month after sowing.
Planting cuttings
Reproduction by cuttings is easier and faster. Liana will not be difficult to cut to obtain planting material, which takes root at high speed in the open field.
Home decor with thickets of maiden grapes
Landing is performed in the following sequence:
- Cuttings with at least four buds are selected.
- The stalk is planted in the planting pit so that two buds remain on the surface.
- The sprouts need watering immediately after planting.
- The beds are shaded from direct sunlight.
- Care consists in regularly moisturizing young plantings.
Important. For propagation by cuttings, the lignified part of the vine is chosen. Planting material is harvested in early spring, before the start of sap flow.
Reproduction by layering
Reproduction by layering is suitable for those gardeners on whose plots maiden grapes are already growing - planting and care in this case is carried out immediately from the mother plant. For this:
- In the spring, 2 or 3-year-old vines are selected.
- They are tilted to the ground and fixed.
- Sprinkle with fertile soil at the place of fixation.
- Separate care for the layers is not needed, except for regular watering.
- A year later, the formed plant is dug up and transplanted.
Further care
The main care of a perennial is regular pruning of excess shoots and the installation of additional supports for vines. In the photo, the branches beautifully braid the walls of buildings, but behind the dense foliage it is simply not visible that often gardeners install a netting under a weaving plant or stretch trellises.
Girlish grapes in landscape design
Watering the plant is needed only at a young age. An adult plant can do without artificial soil moisture. In addition, a mature perennial does not need shelter for the winter. Young plantings, on the other hand, need to be protected from frost.
Fertilization
Fertilizer is desirable to apply together with watering the grapes. As a top dressing, nitroammofoska is used. In the phase of active growth, complex fertilizer will not harm.
Measures to improve soil quality have a beneficial effect on the development of perennials. It is advisable to loosen the soil, bringing in peat and humus for digging. Two-year compost can be used as organic fertilizer. In addition to other traditional nutrients, sawdust, fallen decayed foliage can be used as mulch.
The planting of maiden grapes is fast, the rooting of cuttings is not long in coming. Caring for the plant is simple, it only requires pruning and the simplest fertilizers in combination with mulching. Such measures will ensure the vigorous growth of vines and bright color decorative foliage.
Maiden grape planting (video)