Vitis vinifera ‘Purpurea’ – This form of the Common Grape is anything but common; actually it is profoundly elegant. It’s relatively dwarf. The typical grape leaves unfold purple and moderately hirsute retaining some of the purple color in summer sun. They become deep bright red in the autumn before dropping. The grape clusters are irregularly cone-shaped and nearly black, just plain rich and opulent studding the purplish leaves. We’ve had no problems with mildew in northeastern Connecticut though it may be more susceptible in hotter, more humid climates than our own. For best growth and color site Vitis vinifera ‘Purpurea’ in full sun planted in fertile draining soil amended with dolomitic limestone. Spring planting is advised in the north. Cutting grown.