Vitis coignetiae Sunning Dale

The Vitis coignetiae 'Sunning Dale' is a Coignet Vine that has been selected for its even more vibrant and brilliant autumn colours than those of the species. The plant displays the same large leaves that are more or less round, sometimes slightly trilobed. Tinged with bronze when they appear in spring, these leaves turn a beautiful bright green during the season before blazing with scarlet red in autumn, creating an unforgettable spectacle on a wall or in a tree where it has climbed. Fast-growing and cold-resistant, this climbing vine likes well-drained soils, not too dry but moist, even limestone. Give it a sunny or semi-shady exposure.

The Coignet Vine belongs to the Vitaceae family, known mainly for hosting wine grapes, as well as many ornamental vines, such as the "tribe" of Cissus (Parthenocissus, Rhoicissus, Ampelocissus...), Ampelosis or the giant vine Tetrastigma. Among the many cultivated ornamental vine species, this species is more oriental, originating from Asia, northern Japan, Korea, or the Russian island of Sakhalin. It naturally grows in cold and humid regions, at high altitudes, which makes it very hardy, and it is generally found at the edge of forests. This ornamental vine produces large vigorous stems with tendrils at the axil of the leaves that wrap around and cling to any wood. As an adult, it can reach a height of 10 to 15 metres (33 to 49 feet) depending on the conditions. In Asia, the grapes it produces are used to make a slightly bitter-tasting wine.

'Sunning Dale' is a recent cultivation (2007-2008) by Sunningdale Nurseries based in the United Kingdom (in Cornwall, near Plymouth). This variety is an improvement of the botanical species, differing mainly in the appearance of its leaves. These have a bronze colour when they emerge in spring and unfold to take on the characteristic shape of the species, which is almost round, barely lobed, 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) in diameter, but with a slightly more toothed edge in 'Sunning Dale'. They then turn a bright green colour. The foliage forms a dense blanket and the areas it covers can be impressive as this vine can grow up to 10 metres (33 feet) in height and width! The highlight of the show is in autumn when, with the onset of the first cold, they blaze with a scarlet red that catches the eye from dozens of metres away.

A wall covered with this ornamental vine creates an unforgettable spectacle, just like a deciduous tree that it has climbed. Its tendrils need support to cling to, a sturdy trellis or taut wires spaced regularly against a wall will create breathtaking scenes in autumn. Keep in mind that this vine has significant growth and therefore requires space, even though it tolerates pruning very well, and also that when the leaves fall, you will have impressive volumes to compost or dispose of! In a garden inspired by exoticism, this Coignet Vine 'Sunning Dale' will weave its way through a large pergola or be neatly trained against the wall of a house. To create spectacular scenes, associate it with other giant climbers like the 'Kiftsgate' Rose, whose simple white flowers in July-August will enliven the mass of foliage. The Celastrus 'Autumn Revolution' will also be a good companion, vigorous enough not to be overwhelmed and quite decorative with its orange fruits from late summer to October.