Actinidia kolomikta (m)

RHS Plant Profile
male kolomikta
Climber Wall Shrub

A vigorous, deciduous climber reaching up to 6m tall. Leaves emerge purplish-green but become variegated in older plants if not grown in too much shade; the lower half of the leaves may turn creamy-white before flushing pink later in the season. White, slightly fragrant male flowers are borne in clusters of one to three in early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

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

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

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

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Full sun is needed to bring out the colours of the foliage

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings, layering or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 11 in late winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot