Actinidia tetramera var. maloides

RHS Plant Profile
rosy crab-apple kiwi

Synonyms

Actinidia maloides
Actinidia pilosula misapplied

Award of Garden Merit
Climber Wall Shrub

A deciduous climber with dark green foliage which has a striking white blotch on half the leaf or at the tip. Pink flowers are produced singly, or in small clusters, in spring. Plants either produce male or female flowers; both would need to be grown for the female plant to produce fruit

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, 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

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

Position

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

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
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

A vigorous climber that thrives 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

  • 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