Description
Vitis 'Mika' Staked | Grapevine
Grapevine ‘Mika’ is a cane-trained grapevine supplied with its climbing growth trained on a cane. This gives the plant an upright, supported starting form, rather than the shape of an unsupported climber. As it grows, it will still need support. Its green, hand-shaped leaves provide foliage interest through the growing season, before the plant loses its leaves in autumn. Green flowers appear in May and June. With a suitable support, this climbing plant can add height and leafy interest to a garden or terrace. It prefers a sunny, sheltered position and fertile, well-drained soil, so consider whether these conditions suit the space you have in mind. At maturity, it may reach approximately 4 m tall; this is an estimate, not a guaranteed final height. No mature width is specified. Regular pruning is required to manage its growth, so it is not a plant to choose on the assumption that it needs no care. The cane-trained form is supplied with an upright presentation, while its later growth remains that of a climber. For more plants in the same genus, see vitis.
Key features of Grapevine (Vitis 'Mika')
- Growth and form: This cane-trained grapevine is a climbing plant supplied trained on a cane. Its upright presentation gives it a defined starting form, but it needs suitable support as it grows. It is tendril-bearing, and regular pruning is required.
- Leaves: The foliage is green and hand-shaped. The plant is deciduous, so it does not keep its leaves throughout the year.
- Flowers: Green flowers appear in May and June. The supplied information does not state how prominent they are, so they are best noted as a seasonal feature rather than described as showy.
- Position and soil: Choose a position in full sun, preferably sheltered, with fertile, well-drained soil. Good drainage is an important part of the stated soil requirement.
- Garden setting: Its preference for full sun makes it relevant to a sunny garden planting scheme. Explore full-sun climbing plants for other climbers listed for this aspect.
Uses of cane-trained grapevine in the garden
- Against a wall: The cane-trained form gives this climber an upright starting presentation. With suitable support, it can be used against a wall in a sunny, sheltered position. Its later growth will still need support.
- On a pergola: This grapevine can also be grown on a pergola when support is provided. The climbing habit and green, hand-shaped foliage bring leafy interest to the structure during the growing season.
- In a pot or on a terrace: The supplied uses include a pot and a terrace. These settings still need to provide suitable support for the climbing growth, as well as the preferred sunny, sheltered position.
- Hardiness: The supplied rating is hardy to approximately -15°C, or USDA zone 7. This is an approximate rating, not a guarantee of performance in every UK location or in all garden conditions.
- Ornamental character: The combination of green, hand-shaped leaves and an upright, supported starting form gives the plant its stated garden interest. It is deciduous, so its foliage is not present all year.
For a sunny garden or terrace, choose this cane-trained ‘Mika’ when you can provide both a sheltered position and suitable support for its climbing growth.
