Overview
Actinidia chinensis is a climbing fruit vine in the genus Actinidia, part of the Actinidiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 7.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Actinidia chinensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include edible fruit production and garden vine. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast and Taiwan.
About
Actinidia chinensis is a fruiting vine native to China. It is one of some 40 related species of the genus Actinidia, and the origin of most commercial varieties of kiwifruit.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actinidia chinensis
About the genus
Actinidia is a genus of woody and, with a few exceptions, dioecious plants native to temperate eastern Asia, occurring throughout most of China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, and extending north to southern areas of Russian Far East and south into Indochina. The genus includes shrubs growing to 6 metres tall, and vigorous, strong-growing vines, growing up to 30 m (100 ft) in tree canopies. They mostly tolerate temperatures down to around −15 °C (5 °F), and some are much hardier.
Wikipedia contributors, "Actinidia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actinidia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Actinidia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Actinidia chinensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fruit vine
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 7.5 m
- Spread
- 1 m
- Suggested uses
- Edible fruit production, garden vine
- Native to
- China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Taiwan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actinidia chinensis
- Propagation
- Cuttings, grafting, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Actinidia chinensis?
Actinidia chinensis prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Actinidia chinensis need?
Actinidia chinensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Actinidia chinensis grow?
Actinidia chinensis reaches a height of 7.5 m and a spread of 1 m.
Is Actinidia chinensis hardy in the UK?
Actinidia chinensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Actinidia chinensis?
Cuttings, grafting, seed.
