About

Actinidia arguta 'Issai' is a compact variety of kiwi that yields small, smooth fruit from late summer to early autumn. This cultivar is self-pollinating, eliminating the need for another plant to bear fruit. It typically reaches a height of approximately 4 meters.

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, Alkaline
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Fruit Edible, Climber Wall Shrub
Habit
Climbing
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants

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
See kiwi pruning and training
Propagation
May be propagated by softwood cuttings, grafting or layering
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot