Leaf Foliage: Cordate (Heart-shaped). Green, Often variegated pink and white and silver-tipped. Young leaves are purplish. Can reach about 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length.
Fruit: Early Autumn. Small edible Kiwi fruit like berries. Smaller than Kiwi fruits (Length: 1 inch (2.5 cm); Weight: 2 to 5 g). Requires male pollinator and takes many years of growth to produce fruits.
Growth Form: Climbing. Woody. Twining.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight Plants grown in shaded areas will have poorer leaf color.
Rate of Growth: Above average to fast pace. Will take five to ten years to reach full height potential.
Suitable Soil Types: Most soils, Average.
Soil Moisture: Moist, Well drained.
Care: Training and pruning required. Water in dry periods.
Level of Maintenance: Low.
Propagation: Softwood cuttings in spring or early summer. Seeds can be sown in spring or early autumn. Can also be propagated by layering or grafting.
How to Prune: As a vigorous climber it is important to prune back flowers that occur on the last years growth following flowering, while flowers from this years growth should be pruned towards the end of winter. Other than this no need to perform pruning except to keep plants tidy and confined.
Pests: Usually pest free.
Diseases: Usually pest free.
Can Attract: Cats
Tolerant of: Very cold conditions.
Best Garden Use and Location: Arbor, Trellis, Ornamental plant, Screening, Covering Walls, Houseplant.
Family: Actinidiaceae (360 species; 3 genera).
Miscellaneous: Non-native to North America, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers / blooms. Growing Actinidia kolomikta in full sun will give the best leaf colour. Do not over fertilse as this can also impact the foliage. If growing for fruit then both Female and Male plants are required. Grow at a Ratio of about 4 females : 1 male.