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 kolomikta – Variegated Kiwi vine – This deciduous climber reaches 15’ feet high or more. Native to eastern Asia it has reddish purple tinged young leaves maturing to rounded to oblong, 6” long leaves variegated leaves splotched with deep pink. The white flowers are faintly fragrant which come in clusters of three and are ¾” across in early summer on pale yellow stamens. Females bear egg shaped to oblong yellow green fruit that’s 1” inch long.
Zones 4-9
