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ACTINIDIA kolomikta

Image of Actinidia kolomikta

James H. Schutte

Family

Actinidiaceae

Botanical Name

ACTINIDIA kolomikta

Plant Common Name

Kolomikta Kiwi, Variegated Kiwi Vine

General Description

Hardy kiwi is a deciduous, twining, woody vine native to the temperate regions of East Asia. It is grown for its excellent hardiness, colorful foliage and delicious, smooth-skinned fruit. The leaves are ovate to oblong with a heart-shaped base and green when they emerge. On plants that are of bearing age, the outer half of the leaf turns color when it is time to flower. Closest to the stem the leaves remain green; the tips turn white finally blushing to pink, rose and raspberry producing a stunning tri-colored leaf.

The fragrant, small, cup-shaped, white flowers are borne in clusters, mostly hidden in the leaves. Hardy kiwi is dioecious, male and female flowers on separate plants. The female produces small, smooth-skinned, intensely-flavored yellow to green kiwi berries which can be eaten out of hand like grapes. The males are known for showier, more brilliantly variegated foliage and are often planted for ornamental value alone. Plant several female vines to a male vine for fruit production.

Hardy kiwi vines prefer fertile, loamy well-drained, moist soils. In cooler latitudes, plant in full sun, in hotter climates partial shade is required. Hardy kiwi may take a few years to establish after transplanting. These vines are very cold tolerant, but new shoots break early and may be nipped by frost; shoots are often replaced if damaged by frost. Support is needed for this large and vigorous vine, trellises and arbors are good choices for fruiting vines; lattices or espalier are great for ornamental display.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Vine/Liana

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    0'-0' / 0.0m - 0.0m (15)

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer

  • Native To

    Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Vining/Climbing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    White, Green, Pink, Rose

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    White, Green, Dark Green, Pink, Rose

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    White, Green, Dark Green, Pink, Rose

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Edible, Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Vine

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No