Overview
Actinidia polygama is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Actinidia, part of the Actinidiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Actinidia polygama 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 polygama, commonly known as silver vine, is a deciduous climbing plant belonging to the Actinidiaceae family. As a robust climber, it thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered aspects, favouring fertile, moist but well-drained soils including clay, loam, and sand with acid to neutral pH. This cultivar produces small cup-shaped flowers in spring and summer, and may yield edible fruits. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens, it requires support and can be propagated by softwood cuttings in late spring. It is hardy to UK zone H6.
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
- 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 polygama 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 polygama
- 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 polygama?
Actinidia polygama prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actinidia polygama need?
Actinidia polygama 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 polygama hardy in the UK?
Actinidia polygama 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 polygama?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring.
