About

Actinidia deliciosa 'Jenny' is a robust, deciduous vine that can reach a height of up to 6 meters. Its foliage consists of sizable, heart-shaped leaves that are mid-green with distinctive red tips. In early summer, this variety produces small clusters of white flowers. By late summer or early autumn, it bears hairy, brown fruit resembling eggs in size. 'Jenny' is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another plant for pollination and typically begins to bear fruit within three years of being planted.

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
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

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

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in a sheltered site, in fertile, well-drained soil. Prone to late frost and wind scorch damage. See kiwi cultivation for further details
Pruning
When grown for fruit, pruning is carried out in winter and summer. See kiwi fruit pruning and training
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings taken in the spring or by whip-and-tongue grafting
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot