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Climber Wall ShrubFruit Edible

Actinidia deliciosa 'Solo' (s-p/F)

kiwi fruit 'Solo'

A vigorous, deciduous, twining climber to 5 metres, with furry, heart-shaped, mid-green leaves and rusty red-brown stems on young growth. Foliage yellows in autumn. Small clusters of fragrant cream-white flowers in late spring or early summer followed by furry, brown, egg-shaped kiwi fruits ready to harvest by first frosts of autumn. A self-fertile variety that does not need a pollination partner.

Synonyms
Actinidia chinensis 'Solo'
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream White Green
Summer Cream White Green
Autumn Green Yellow Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun and a sheltered site. Prone to late frost and wind scorch damage. Male and female plants are needed for fruit set, unless a self-fertile cultivar is grown. See Kiwi cultivation.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in the spring or propagate by layering. Named cultivars can be grafted using whip and tongue grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Edible fruit
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

When grown for fruit, pruning is carried out in winter and summer. See kiwi fruit pruning and training.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot

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