Overview
Actinidia melanandra is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Actinidia, part of the Actinidiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Actinidia melanandra grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens.
About
Actinidia melanandra, known as purple kiwi or red kiwi is a fruiting plant in the genus Actinidia, which contains three commercially grown species of kiwifruit. The plant is native to parts of Hubei, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces of China. The fruit has a fuzzy purple skin with reddish flesh. Although the fruit is edible, is not commercially cultivated, however it is occasionally sold as a landscape plant under the erroneous name Actinidia melandra. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for city and courtyard gardens. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide support.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actinidia melanandra
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Actinidia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Actinidia melanandra size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actinidia melanandra
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Actinidia melanandra?
Actinidia melanandra prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actinidia melanandra need?
Actinidia melanandra is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Actinidia melanandra hardy in the UK?
Actinidia melanandra 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 melanandra?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring.
More in the Actinidia genus
- Actinidia arguta 'Cornell' (m)
- Actinidia arguta 'Honigbeere' (m)
- Actinidia arguta (m)hardy kiwi
- Actinidia callosa
- Actinidia chinensis 'Ac 497 076' (f/F)
- Actinidia deliciosa 'Skelton A16' (f/F)kiwi fruit 'Skelton A16'
- Actinidia deliciosa 'Tsechelidis' (f/F)kiwi fruit 'Tsechelidis'
- Actinidia polygamasilver vine
