Actinidia pilosula (Finet & Gagnep.) Stapf ex Hand.-Mazz.
A deciduous twining climber with long elegant ovate green leaves that can be variegated with pink and cream, with white tips, some flushed pink, on red stems. Small cup-shaped, fragrant pink flowers, if pollinated, are followed on female plants by edible yellow green fruit, ready to harvest by the first frosts of autumn.
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green White Variegated Pink | ||
| Autumn | Green White Variegated Pink | Yellow Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
- Plant range
- SW China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered site. Prone to late frost and wind scorch damage. Plenty of sun will encourage the best foliage colours. See kiwi cultivation.
Propagation
Take softwood cuttings in the spring or propagate by layering.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
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
Get involved
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