About
Actinidia tetramera var. maloides is a deciduous vine characterized by its dark green leaves, each featuring a distinct white blotch that may appear at the tip or cover half the leaf. In spring, this species produces pink flowers, which can be found either solitary or in small clusters. It is important to note that individual plants are either male or female, so to ensure fruit production, both sexes must be cultivated together.
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
Care notes
- Cultivation
- A vigorous climber that thrives 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 seed, softwood cuttings, layering or grafting
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot