Hardy Kiwi - Actinidia arguta  'Issai' - €10 per plant

Hardy Kiwi is a deciduous, fast-growing, twining woody vine that is typically grown for its attractive foliage and delicious edible fruit. It is native to woodlands, mountain forests, but can be grown in the full sun with a support for it to ramble on, or on the edge of a woodland garden using trees as a trellis.  To order this plant please contact us at: [email protected]

Context

  • native region: East Asia, China, Japan
  • native habitat: woodlands, mountain forests, streamsides and moist locations
  • family: Actinidiaceae

Predators, Pest, Diseases

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  • Generally trouble-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline, prefers acidic soils
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 6a - 8b
  • Prefers moist well drained soil 
  • Mulch with compost  every spring and keep weed free. 
  • Water when dry in summer. 
  • Annual pruning required for optimum productivity

Overview

  • Deciduous Climber growing to 5m at a fast rate.
  • In flower in May/June and the seeds ripen from Sep to October. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils but prefers acidic soils. 
  • Prefers full sun
  • Prefers moist well drained soil

Characteristics

  • form: climbing vine
  • layer : Vertical
  • habit: vigorous climber   
  • height : 5m

Products 

  • Fruit: The smooth skinned green fruit are the size of grapes and taste like a sweet tropical kiwi without the furry skin.
  • Leaves: Simple ovate leaves   
  • Flowers: Small cup-shaped flowers that attract insects 
  • Dappled Shade when grown on a arbor 

Functions, behaviours

  • This hardy kiwi has the added benefit of being able to set fruit without a cross-pollinator
  • Needs support in the form of atrellis or pergola
  • 'Issai’ is a more compact vine than some of the other hardy kiwis.
  • May suffer from nutrient deficiencies on alkaline soils​
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project