Overview
Actinidia kolomikta is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Actinidia, part of the Actinidiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Actinidia kolomikta grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens. It is native to Russian Far East, Korea, Japan and China.
About
Actinidia kolomikta, the kolomikta, miyamatatabi, super-hardy kiwi, or variegated-leaf hardy kiwi, is a species of flowering plant in the family Actinidiaceae, native to temperate mixed forests of the Russian Far East, Korea, Japan and China.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actinidia kolomikta
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Actinidia kolomikta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- Russian Far East, Korea, Japan, China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actinidia kolomikta
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil and a sheltered position; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; requires support for climbing
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter to remove dead or weak growth and to shape the plant; summer pruning can help control size and encourage fruiting
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in late spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Actinidia kolomikta?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil and a sheltered position; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; requires support for climbing.
Where is the best place to plant Actinidia kolomikta?
Actinidia kolomikta prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actinidia kolomikta need?
Actinidia kolomikta is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Actinidia kolomikta?
Prune in late winter to remove dead or weak growth and to shape the plant; summer pruning can help control size and encourage fruiting.
How big does Actinidia kolomikta grow?
Actinidia kolomikta reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 4-8 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Actinidia kolomikta hardy in the UK?
Actinidia kolomikta has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Actinidia kolomikta?
Softwood cuttings in late spring.
