Landscape Uses:Arbor. Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil[11, 200]. Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production[200]. Another report says that the plant prefers semi-shade[160]. Prefers a sheltered position[200]. When grown in a sunny position the leaves normally develop a strong variegation[219]. Prefers a neutral soil, plants become more variegated when they are grown in a limy soil[200]. Very cold resistant, dormant plants are hardy to at least -30°c but new growth in spring can be cut back by late frosts[74, 160, 200]. Plants grow well on a wall and can also be grown into trees[1]. Cats are very fond of this plant and can damage it by scratching it etc[1, 3, 200]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are some named varieties that have been selected for their edible fruit[183, 200]. The form most often cultivated in this country is a male and it is quite possible that all the plants grown here have been developed from a single clone[219]. Often confused with the closely related A. polygama, but it can be distinguished by its leaves which are heart-shaped at the base whilst those of A. polygama are tapered[219]. Fruits are produced on second year wood or on fruit spurs on older wood[126], any pruning is best carried out in the winter[219]. The flowers are sweetly scented[184]. 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. Special Features:Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 12 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. Woody. Growth habit is a single or multiple shooting vine from a crown [1-2]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out [2-1].