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Climber Wall Shrub

Actinidia tetramera var. maloides

rosy crab-apple kiwi

A deciduous climber with dark green foliage which has a striking white blotch on half the leaf or at the tip. Pink flowers are produced singly, or in small clusters, in spring. Plants either produce male or female flowers; both would need to be grown for the female plant to produce fruit

Synonyms
Actinidia maloides
Actinidia pilosula misapplied

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

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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

A vigorous climber that thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. Full sun is needed to bring out the colours of the foliage

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings, layering or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 11 in late winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot

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