Description
Actinidia
There are about 40 species of deciduous woody tangled, twinning climbers in this genus. They have simple alternating leaves both the branches and leaves often have bristly hairs. Native to light forest areas in East Asia. Valued for their white, green, or reddish-petaled flowers occasional scented are produce singly or chains in summer. Male and female plants are needed to bear the edible oval fruit, ripening in autumn but some cultivars have been made that are self-fertile,
Indoors grow in soil based potting mix in full light, during the growing season water freely with balance liquid fertilizer monthly. Just keep moist in winter and prune in late winter.
If grown outdoors plant in fertile well drained soil with shelter from strong winds in full sun to maximize fruiting. Prune in late winter.
Prone to a wide variety of fungal diseases.
Actinidia arguta – Hardy kiwi – Tara vine – This deciduous climber native to Japan and southern Siberia is the largest and most vigorous and the most cold hardy. It can reach 50’ feet high or higher. It bears rounded to egg shape to oblong broad dark green glossy 3-5” long. Both stems and leaves have fine bristle hairs. ¾” wide flowers are greenish white and are fragrant in clusters of 3 appear in late spring or early summer. Female plants produce 1” yellow green oblong fruit with smooth skin.
Zones 4-9
