Actinidia deliciosa
kiwi fruit
A vigorous, deciduous climber with stout shoots covered in red-brown hairs and broadly ovate, heart-shaped, mid-green leaves. In early summer it bears clusters of usually two to three creamy white flowers . Female plants bear ovoid-oblong, bristly-skinned, greenish brown fruit. This species has given rise to a number of cultivated varieties.
Synonyms
Actinidia deliciosa 'Strahlengriffel'Actinidia chinensis misapplied
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
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 for further details
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in the spring or by layering. Named cultivars can be grafted using whip and tongue grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wall side borders
- Edible fruit
Pruning
When grown for fruit, pruning is carried out in winter and summer
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot
Get involved
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