Actinidia arguta
A vigorous, deciduous, twining climber up to 7m high with mid- to dark green, bristle-toothed leaves up to 13cm long. Slightly fragrant, early summer flowers are creamy-white, upto 2cm wide and borne in clusters of three; female plants may produce oblong, greenish-yellow, smooth-skinned edible fruits in the presence of a male pollinator plant
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Actinidiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Genus
Actinidia are vigorous, mostly deciduous, twining climbers with simple ovate leaves which are variegated in some species. Small cup-shaped flowers may be followed on female or hermaphrodite plants by edible fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Requires sun and preferably acid soil. Will also require support, in the form of wires, trellis or pergola. May suffer from nutrient deficiencies on alkaline soils. See kiwi cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Edible fruit
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Requires regular pruning to keep under control. For more advice see kiwi cultivation
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot
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