Description

‘Roger’s Red’ was selected (and named) by Roger Raiche in Sonoma County in 1983. It was later found to be a cross of a native grape, Vitis californica, and a wine grape, Vitis vinifera. This mixed parentage explains some of this selection’s attractive attributes. Vitis californica occurs in a variety of habitats from the Transverse Range into Oregon. It grows among other foliage to fill large areas with draping vines of heart-shaped apple green foliage. The summer fruit hangs in small clusters of edible grapes. In autumn the leaves of the native species turn yellow or orange before they fall. The ‘Roger’s Red’ selection shares this growth pattern and overall appearance but the leaves turn an attractive burnt orange and red in the fall. It is quite adaptable to different soil types and responds well to additional water, though older plants are quite drought tolerant.