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Summary
Actinidia includes deciduous shrubs and vigorous, strong-growing vines native to temperate eastern Asia. All members of this genus produce edible fruits. The flowers are sweetly scented. Common Kiwifruit (A. deliciosa) and Hardy Kiwi (A. arguta) are suited to Mediterranean climates; they do less well in arid or semi-arid regions. Common or Fuzzy Kiwifruit is the best-known species growing to 9m (30ft). The fruit, rich in vitamin C, is very juicy and delicious. For a good crop of fruit, prune the plants to keep them small – if left unpruned, they will romp away and grow to the top of trees. Plants are usually either male or female, so you need to grow at least one male plant for every 4 – 5 females to get fruit. Some cultivars do not need a male for fertilisation, though they have inferior fruits. When grown from seed, most of the seedlings are male, so it is best to buy named varieties. Low-chill varieties are available.
Physical Characteristics
Actinidia arguta rufa is a deciduous Climber growing to 7 m (23ft) at a fast rate.
It is frost tender. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees, insects. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
A. rufa. (Sieb.&Zucc.)Planch. Trochostigma rufa. Sieb.&Zucc.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw or cooked[177]. The ovoid fruit is 15 - 25mm long[198, 266]. It contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[K].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
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None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Kiwifruit plants produce flowers rich in nectar and pollen, attracting pollinators such as bees. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The fruit of kiwifruit plants is edible and highly nutritious for humans and wildlife alike. The seeds can also be consumed, and the foliage provides some cover for wildlife, although it is not a primary nesting site. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering Sites, Leaf Litter, Ground Cover): The dense foliage can offer shelter for invertebrates, and leaf litter can provide overwintering sites. The sprawling habit of the vine may also create ground cover that is beneficial for various organisms. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): Yes – The aromatic leaves and flowers of kiwifruit may help confuse pests, potentially providing a degree of pest control.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a sound, loamy neutral soil[1, 200]. Succeeds in semi-shade, but full sun is best for fruit production[200]. Prefers a sheltered position[200]. This is a very vigorous plant that can climb to the tops of tall trees[182]. Very hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -30°c or more, but young spring growth is susceptible to frost damage[160]. Fruits are formed on second-year wood and also on fruit spurs on older wood[126], any pruning is best carried out in the winter[219]. This is a climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around branches, etc[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Most Actinidia species are not self-fertile. Male and female plants are required for fruit production. Kiwifruit is typically harvested in late autumn to early winter, depending on the variety and climate. Kiwifruit flowers in spring. Kiwifruit vines are fast-growing and can reach maturity in 3-4 years, producing fruit within that timeframe. They require support structures for optimal growth.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[133]. It is probably best if the seed is given 3 months stratification[113], either sow it in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in November or as soon as it is received. Fresh seed germinates in 2 - 3 months at 10°c, stored seed can take longer[133]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. When the plants are 30cm or more tall, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[K]. Most seedlings are male[126]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, they must be kept well ventilated[113]. Cuttings of softwood as soon as ready in spring in a frame[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very high percentage[113]. Cuttings of ripe wood, October/November in a frame.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
Coming Soon
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Siebold.&Zucc.)Maxim.
Botanical References
198266
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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Subject : Actinidia arguta rufa
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