Care of the virgin vine or Virginia vine

Dressing with nature and in the colors of autumn seems to be the task entrusted to this beautiful climber. And enjoying this natural spectacle is easy. The care of the virgin vine is highly affordable. So much so that, in reality, we are talking about a plant that requires little attention to grow quickly. One of its main virtues but, also, one of the aspects that we must watch as it happens with any of the climbers. There is no doubt: the virgin vine is ideal for filling a wall, lattice or trellis with life. But it also demands that we be aware that this growth is what we want it to be.

Being rigorous with the care of the virgin vine will allow us to enjoy an exceptional plant. And we do not say it only because of its rusticity. We also refer to its incredible decorative character from early spring to early winter. Its bare branches give way, from the end of the cold season, to large leaves of an intense green color. A shade that changes completely at the end of summer, adopting all the shades of autumn and with one color as the protagonist: red.

So let’s see in detail the care of the virgin vine or Virginia vine. A wonderful resistant and beautiful plant in equal parts, whose enjoyment will demand very little of us.

5 CARE OF THE VIRGIN VINE

Before seeing in detail the care of the virgin vine, it is important to know a few things. As its name indicates, it is related to the plants of the vineyard. And, in fact, it is common that in the summer months it is filled with small dark-colored fruits that delight birds and it is even perfect if we wonder how to attract pollinating insects to our garden. However, let this not mislead us. We are talking about an ornamental plant and, although its fruits are good for these animals and insects, the same is not true for humans. For us, the intake of these dark berries is totally inadvisable as they are not edible.

Another important aspect is to break a myth. And it is that, a priori, to think of the virgin vine and its climbing character is to believe that it can be synonymous with problems. And no, it’s not. Unlike other climbers such as ivy, its attachment to any wall will not damage it. The small lianas on which it supports its growth differ from those of ivy in that they do not stick to surfaces. But there is another important difference from other climbers such as wisteria or wisteria. Despite the fact that if we comply with the care of the virgin vine it can reach 15 meters, its woody stems are manageable and easy to prune.

Having this clear, let’s see what this wonderful plant needs to create a true natural tapestry on any surface. And, unlike other plants, when we talk about the cultivation of the virgin vine we do not have to worry about the temperature. It supports up to 15 degrees below zero but also the heat of summer.

1. The planting location, an example of the versatility of this climber

As we said before, the virgin vine is an incredibly resistant plant. So much so that it’s not even exquisite when it comes to where it’s planted. While ideally shaded or semi-shaded, it can also be grown in full sun in temperate climates. If we live in a place where the summer is especially hot, it is best to find a place protected from excess sun. But not because it can compromise the health of the plant. Rather, because only by having something cool will you be able to color your leaves properly.

It is important that you have a support to climb on. In an initial stage, we can guide it using trellises. However, this technique only works for young plants and we will always have to count on planting it with a support. Call it a wall, trellis, trellis, pergola or garden arch. You decide where it can shine. Of course: despite not being like other climbers, it is advisable to keep it away from gutters and roofs for safety.

2. The soil, deep and rich in nutrients

Although being rigorous it would not be one of the care of the virgin vine, this aspect greatly influences its development. This plant demands to be planted in a place where it can spread its roots downwards. We can grow it in a pot, but its growth will not be as spectacular as if we do it directly in the ground.

In addition to this and linked to its development, the virgin vine is a lover of soils rich in organic matter. Therefore, both at the time of planting and later, it is worth adding mulch and humus to the soil.

3. Irrigation, regular but not excessive

One of the most important aspects in the care of the virgin vine. We are talking about a plant that loves moist soils. A detail that we cannot confuse with flooding. What’s more: for its correct development, it needs to have good drainage.

Ideally, keep the soil always fresh. This assumes a regular watering pattern, but only watering when the soil is slightly moist.

4. Fertilizer, two doses a year

Due to its needs, the virgin vine demands a constant renewal of soil nutrients. But beware: what for us is constant, in nature has different times. And it is enough to think about the cycles of plants to realize what they are: autumn and spring.

Based on this, as part of the care of the virgin vine we will have to contemplate two doses of fertilizer per year. Two very specific, and on which much of your well-being will depend. On the one hand, with autumn well underway, the ideal is to apply a dose of organic fertilizer to our virgin vine. And, with the end of winter, a dose of slow-release mineral fertilizer.

5. Pruning, one of the least demanding virgin vine cares

As undemanding as our plant can do perfectly well without it. What’s more: pruning is restricted to two very specific scenarios. Either we want to encourage it to have more branches, or we have to rectify its growth on a wall.

As you have seen, the care of the virgin vine is affordable for any gardener. What is more difficult to take in is its incredible natural beauty!