Actinidia
Kiwi
- Height × spread
- 3m – 8m × 3m – 8m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are climbing shrubs that include the Kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) and forms grown for their curious and beautiful variegated leaves, such as the popular Actinidia kolomikta. Kiwi fruits are spectacular climbers and may be grown for the beauty of their foliage and its vibrant autumnal tints. If Kiwis are grown for their fruit, male and female forms will be needed. One male will serve 8 females, but you will also require a fair amount of space to accommodate them.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Pink, White
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 3m – 8m
- Spread
- 3m – 8m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 0C minimum temperature
- Use for
- Wall cover, Screening, Structural
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant food monthly
Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth
Adopt a regime whereby plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Indoors
Water lightly in winter
The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.
The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.
Planting & general
Planting
Prune some varieties
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for pruning. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for pruning guidance.
Compost · Planting
Houseplant compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality house plant compost.
Indoor temperature · Planting
0C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 0 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, close to window
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).