Ampelopsis aconitifolia

Ampelopsis aconitifolia is a remarkable and adaptable species. It demonstrates well that this beautiful family of climbing plants hides many treasures for our gardens, even under difficult climates. Its beautifully cut foliage forms a truly elegant mass, both light and dense, while maintaining very reasonable dimensions. In autumn, this vegetation turns golden yellow to amber yellow and is adorned with small orange and then purple berries. The plant attaches itself using tendrils, covering everything that needs to be concealed. In terms of cultivation, it is worth noting that it resists both the cold of its native Chinese mountains and the arid summers, and it tolerates limestone soils well. So many reasons to adopt this marvel!

Ampelopsis belong to the Vitaceae family, just like the vine that produces grapes. The origins of the Ampelopsis aconitifolia species can be found in the mountains of northern China. There are two or three subspecies that differ in leaf shape and fruit colour. It is a climbing plant that can reach 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) in all directions. Its growth is rapid. The deciduous foliage consists of alternate leaves, strongly and finely cut into toothed lobes of variable shape. From spring to summer, they are fairly dark green. They then take on different shades of yellow in autumn before falling. The flowering occurs from April to August, in the form of very small greenish to bluish flowers arranged in cymes. It is followed in late summer and autumn by the formation of 5 to 6 mm (0in) diameter berries, whose colour evolves as they ripen, ranging from pale green to yellow, orange, and violet. This is the time of year when the plant, with its colourful lace, is at its most beautiful. Its tendrils are non-adhesive, opposite the leaves, and have 2 or 3 branches. The seeds are dispersed by birds that love them.

Ampelopsis aconitifolia can be used as a classic climbing vine, but also by letting it run along a wall, for example. Let it climb on a garden arbor, a chicken coop, a staircase railing, a pillar, or in a hedge... It can be associated with Clematis viticella and Jasminum officinale that can be trained together. This ornamental vine can climb a small tree or a large bush (Royal Purple Smokebush, Black Lace Elderberry, European Spindle...), on which it will cling using its tendrils.