Actinidia spp.
kiwi vines
Overview
Actinidia spp. is a genus of deciduous woody climbers in the family Actinidiaceae, with roughly forty to sixty species native to eastern Asia. The twining vines reach 2–10 m (6.5–33 ft) and climb by wrapping their stems around supports, carrying alternate, often large, heart-shaped leaves on long stalks. In A. kolomikta and some others, the leaf tips are splashed with pink and white. Most species are dioecious, with separate male and female plants bearing fragrant white to yellowish five-petalled flowers in late spring, so both sexes are needed for fruit. The berries are green, brown, or red, smooth or hairy, and include the commercial kiwifruit A. deliciosa and the smooth-skinned hardy kiwi A. arguta. Actinidia spp. grows in full sun to part shade on deep, fertile, moist, well-drained soil and needs a strong trellis, pergola, or fence, since the heavy vines can pull down weak supports. Hardiness ranges widely, from the tender A. deliciosa to A. arguta and A. kolomikta, which withstand hard winter cold. Vigorous growth and heavy fruit demand annual pruning, and late frosts can damage the early shoots and flowers.
Native Range
Actinidia spp. is native to eastern Asia, centred on China, with species extending into the Russian Far East, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The vines grow in forests, thickets, and forest margins, climbing over trees and shrubs from the lowlands into the mountains.Suggested Uses
Grown on pergolas, arbours, fences, and walls for fruit, shade, and screening, and the variegated A. kolomikta for its coloured foliage. Trained over strong structures in edible and ornamental gardens. Suited to large, sturdy supports rather than light trellis or small spaces.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 33'
Width/Spread6' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Actinidia spp. flowers in late spring to early summer, generally May to June, after the leaves expand. The fragrant flowers open over one to two weeks, with male and female on separate plants in most species. Fruit develops through summer and ripens in autumn on female vines.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
dark green, pink-and-white variegation in some speciesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Time to Maturity
3-5 years to first fruit
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Actinidia spp. in full sun to part shade on deep, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. It needs a strong trellis, pergola, or fence, as mature vines are heavy and can pull down weak structures. A soil pH from about 5.0 to 6.5 suits most species. Water steadily through the growing season, since the large leaves wilt in drought, and mulch to keep the roots cool. For fruit, grow male and female plants together. Hardiness depends on species, from frost-tender to cold-hardy below -25 °C (-13 °F).Pruning
Actinidia spp. fruits on the current season shoots from one-year-old wood, so prune in winter while dormant and again lightly in summer. Cut back long, tangled growth and shorten fruiting laterals to a few buds. Remove crowded, weak, or dead stems to keep the framework open and productive.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
wintersummer