‘Walk On By’ seems to be the song written about this fantastic plant. At Southlands, we always have a few of Vitis vinifera ‘Purpurea’ in stock (because I love this plant) and nobody ever buys them.  The ‘Purple Leaf Grape’ is a truly beautiful small vine for a sunny spot and any soil conditions.  It is slow growing…. at first.  My experience with it is that it takes three years to find its way, then life begins.  Never a monster, this hardy deciduous vine will reach 12′ in time, but is easily pruned and trained any way you want. The foliage is a lovely grape purple (how ironic) all through the spring and summer. In autumn, the purple darkens and takes on a blackish purple sheen. Frosty tempertures turn the foliage lovely shades of yellow and flaming red before falling off.  Very cute, miniature clusters of purple grapes are produced. Although decorative, they don’t taste good at all.  They look great on the vine, or as table decor.
                  I love this plants airy growth habit and self-clinging tendrils. I am training two of them on a split rail fence at my new garden in Langley, BC. I am surprised that the occasional visiting deer have not devoured or even nibbled at them. Roses nearby are often de-budded by  these voracious visitors.
                   The next time you visit Southlands Nursery, don’t ignore this fabulous plant. I had it  at my old house and it was one of the first things I planted at my new place. I would never garden without it ! It’s not new or flashy. It is subtly mesmerizing !  I don’t have much personal interest in so many of the plants we offer -  no matter how nice they are  .  But,  I think that this unsung superstar will be the best $14.99 you ever spent on a vine !