About
Actinidia arguta is a robust, deciduous vine that can reach heights of up to 7 meters. The leaves are mid- to dark green and feature bristle-like edges, measuring up to 13 centimeters in length. In early summer, it produces clusters of three creamy-white flowers, each approximately 2 centimeters across, which emit a subtle fragrance. Female plants are capable of producing oblong, smooth-skinned fruits that are greenish-yellow and edible, provided there is a male pollinator nearby.
About the genus
Actinidia consists of robust, primarily deciduous climbing plants that twine as they grow. The leaves are typically simple and ovate, with some species exhibiting variegation. Female or hermaphrodite plants produce small cup-shaped flowers, which may yield edible fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Requires sun and preferably acid soil. Will also require support, in the form of wires, trellis or pergola. May suffer from nutrient deficiencies on alkaline soils. See kiwi cultivation
- Pruning
- Requires regular pruning to keep under control. For more advice see kiwi cultivation
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot