Genus Actinidia

Actinidia kolomikta Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

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Ornamental foliage, cup-shaped flowers, and edible fruits characterize these mainly deciduous, twining climbers. They can be trained against a wall, on a trellis, or into a tree. Some cultivars are self-fertile, but usually male and female plants are needed to produce fruit.
Noteworthy characteristics: Ornamental foliage; fragrant flowers; edible fruit.
Care: In the garden Actinidia need fertile, well-drained soil. Grow in full sun for the best fruit production. Shelter from wind. Under glass, grow in full light and water and fertilize freely during the growing season. Keep moist in winter.
Propagation: Root semi-ripe cuttings (or graft cultivars) in late summer. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or fall.
Problems: Various fungal diseases may occur.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Actinidia

Actinidia kolomikta
(Variegated kiwi vine) (1 user review)

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Variegated kiwi vine is an attractive woody vine that tolerates shade. The male has lovely pink, white, and green variegated leaves and small flowers that are fragrant and cream-covered. This species needs both a male and female plant to produce its sweet, grape-sized fruit. The fruits have no fuzz, and the skin is soft and tender. Best fruit production is achieved in full sun. The cultivar 'Arctic Beauty' has smaller leaves but is hardy to Zone 3.

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