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
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Sunset Zone
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Vine/Liana
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
0'-0' / 0.0m - 0.0m (15)
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Eastern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Green, Pink, Rose
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Green, Dark Green, Pink, Rose
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Green, Dark Green, Pink, Rose
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Bark Color
Brown, Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Edible, Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No