vineN. America Native

Muscadine

Vitis rotundifolia

$69.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Vitis rotundifolia is a vigorous, high-climbing woody vine native to the Southeastern and South-Central United States. It climbs via tendrils and features simple, alternate, glossy green leaves with broad, blunt teeth.

This species is highly resistant to Pierce's disease, allowing it to thrive in hot, humid climates where European grapes fail. It produces thick-skinned, edible muscadine grapes that support local wildlife and are highly valued for home fruit production.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dense, glossy green summer foliage that covers arbors, trellises, and fences.

Produces edible grapes for fresh eating, jellies, and winemaking, while offering high resistance to Pierce's disease.

Supports native birds and mammals that consume the large, thick-skinned fruits.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

118"

Width

1181"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$69.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained sandy, rocky, or upland soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Install a sturdy trellis or arbor system to support the heavy, vigorous vine framework.
Water regularly during the first two years to establish a deep root system, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and supplement with magnesium via Epsom salts in mid-summer.

Pro Tip

Never graft muscadines onto other grape species, as total graft incompatibility will cause the graft to fail. Ensure you plant a self-fertile companion vine if your chosen cultivar is female-only, or no fruit will set.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune heavily every year during deep winter dormancy to maintain a productive framework.
Provide supplemental irrigation during heavy fruiting periods and dry spells.
Protect young vines from deer and rabbit browsing with protective fencing.

Don't

Do not plant a single female-flowered cultivar in isolation without a perfect-flowered pollinator nearby.
Do not prune into old, completely leafless wood that lacks live renewal spurs.
Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellis or arbor coverEdible landscapingWildlife gardensCoastal plantings

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Muscadine questions

What zones can Muscadine grow in?

Muscadine is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Muscadine deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Muscadine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Muscadine bloom?

Muscadine typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Muscadine need full sun?

Muscadine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Muscadine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Muscadine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.