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Climber Wall ShrubFruit Edible

Actinidia arguta

A vigorous, deciduous, twining climber up to 7m high with mid- to dark green, bristle-toothed leaves up to 13cm long. Slightly fragrant, early summer flowers are creamy-white, upto 2cm wide and borne in clusters of three; female plants may produce oblong, greenish-yellow, smooth-skinned edible fruits in the presence of a male pollinator plant

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Cream Green
Autumn Green Green Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Actinidiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Genus

Actinidia are vigorous, mostly deciduous, twining climbers with simple ovate leaves which are variegated in some species. Small cup-shaped flowers may be followed on female or hermaphrodite plants by edible fruits

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Requires sun and preferably acid soil. Will also require support, in the form of wires, trellis or pergola. May suffer from nutrient deficiencies on alkaline soils. See kiwi cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Edible fruit
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Requires regular pruning to keep under control. For more advice see kiwi cultivation

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot

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