Fabulous autumn colour. Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: May to June Hardiness: fully hardy Heart-shaped, three to five-lobed, dark green leaves turning bright red in autumn and small, unpalatable, blue-black grapes. This vigorous, deciduous, ornamental climber has deeply impressed veins on the leaves and thick brown felt underneath. Performing best in full sun, it's ideal for covering an unsightly fence or wall or for scrambling through an established tree. This vigorous climbing vine is originally from Japan and was introduced to Britain by Jardine and Matheson, the East India merchants in the late 19th century. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 25m (82ft) although it will take some years to get to this height! Due to its size and density of leaf cover, it's best planted on its own. Garden care: When planting incorporate plenty of well-rotted organic matter into the planting hole. It will need some help to clamber up a tree, wall or pergola so you will need to provide some support and tie it in as it grows. Once it has developed a good framework you should shorten all the lateral shoots to within two or three buds from the main stem. It is essential that the majority of the pruning work is tackled in mid-winter as the sap tends to 'bleed' at other times of the year, but you can cut back the odd over-long stem to a healthy bud in summer.