Actinidia deliciosa 'Solo' (s-p/F)
kiwi fruit 'Solo'
A vigorous, deciduous, twining climber to 5 metres, with furry, heart-shaped, mid-green leaves and rusty red-brown stems on young growth. Foliage yellows in autumn. Small clusters of fragrant cream-white flowers in late spring or early summer followed by furry, brown, egg-shaped kiwi fruits ready to harvest by first frosts of autumn. A self-fertile variety that does not need a pollination partner.
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Green Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun and a sheltered site. Prone to late frost and wind scorch damage. Male and female plants are needed for fruit set, unless a self-fertile cultivar is grown. See Kiwi cultivation.
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in the spring or propagate by layering. Named cultivars can be grafted using whip and tongue grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Edible fruit
- Wall side borders
Pruning
When grown for fruit, pruning is carried out in winter and summer. See kiwi fruit pruning and training.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus and phytophthora root rot
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