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Climber Wall ShrubFruit Edible

Actinidia arguta (f/F)

hardy kiwi

A very vigorous deciduous climber reaching many meters in length. This hardy kiwi has leathery green leaves and white flowers which, for pollinated female flowers, may become smooth-skinned green fruits. These are smaller but sweeter than the varities sold in supermarkets

Other common names
bower actinidia
bower vine
see morekokuwa
Siberian gooseberry
tara vine
yang-tao
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Actinidiaceae
Native to the UK
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

Plant range
China, Japan, Korea

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, acid to neutral soil, in a sheltered position - ideally against a wall and trained as an espalier. For more advice see kiwi cultivation. Both a male and female are needed for fruit

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Edible fruit
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

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