About
Actinidia pilosula is a deciduous climbing vine characterized by its elongated, oval-shaped green foliage, which may exhibit variegation in shades of pink and cream, complemented by white-tipped margins and occasional pink hues on red stems. The plant produces small, fragrant pink flowers in a cup-like formation. When pollinated, female specimens yield edible yellow-green fruits that can be harvested by the onset of autumn frosts.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Sand, Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Fruit Edible
- 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, Sub-tropical
- Native to
- SW China
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered site. Prone to late frost and wind scorch damage. Plenty of sun will encourage the best foliage colours. See kiwi cultivation.
- Pruning
- When grown for fruit, pruning is carried out in winter and summer. See kiwi fruit pruning and training.
- Propagation
- Take softwood cuttings in the spring or propagate by layering.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot