About

Actinidia kolomikta 'Adam' is a climbing, deciduous vine that can reach heights of approximately 4 meters. The leaves of mature specimens may show variegation, especially when exposed to full sunlight, featuring a creamy-white lower half that turns pink as summer progresses. This male variety is commonly cultivated to pollinate female kiwifruit plants, yielding white flowers with a light fragrance in early summer.

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

Plant details

Plant type
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
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Full sun is needed to bring out the colours of the foliage
Pruning
Pruning group 11 in late winter
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings, layering or grafting
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot