Actinidia arguta

Climber Wall Shrub Fruit Edible

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Actinidiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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