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

RHS Plant Profile
kiwi fruit 'Solo'

Synonyms

Actinidia chinensis 'Solo'

Climber Wall Shrub Fruit Edible

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.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Clay

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

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
Unresolved
Horticultural Group
A self-fertile kiwi which produces both male and female flowers on the same vine, allowing it to produce fruit without a seperate male or female pollinator plant

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