How to Grow Ornamental Kiwi
Actinidia kolomikta
Ornamental kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta) is grown for its spectacular variegated foliage rather than fruit. Leaves start green and develop striking white and pink splashing as the plant matures, especially on male plants in full sun. A much smaller vine than fruiting kiwi (3-5m vs 9m). Extremely hardy to -30C. Deciduous. Slow to establish in the first 2-3 years, then grows vigorously. Small fragrant white flowers appear in June. Provide a trellis or wires and a sunny position for the best leaf colour.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun for best leaf colour; tolerates light shade
Full sun produces the most vivid variegation. In shade the leaves remain mostly green. A south or west-facing wall or fence is ideal.
Watering
Regular when young; established plants are drought-tolerant
Water regularly during the first 2-3 years while establishing. Once mature, the plant is very tolerant of dry conditions. Avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing
Light spring feed; not demanding
Apply a balanced granular fertiliser in spring. This species is not a heavy feeder and grows well even on average soil.
Pruning
Light pruning in late winter to tidy; not essential
Prune in late winter to remove dead or tangled growth and keep within bounds. Not as vigorous as fruiting kiwi so less pruning is needed. Can be left largely unpruned if space allows.
Support
Trellis, wires, or fence; lighter than fruiting kiwi
Provide a trellis, wires, or let it scramble along a fence. Much lighter and less vigorous than fruiting kiwi so does not need the same heavy-duty support structure.
Growing Tips
Male plants have the best colour
Male plants develop the most vivid pink and white variegation. If you only have space for one plant and want maximum foliage colour, choose a male.
Patience in the early years
Variegation improves as the plant matures. Young plants may show little colour for 2-3 years. The spectacular leaf display develops on established plants in full sun.
Keep cats away from young plants
Like fruiting kiwi, young Actinidia kolomikta plants attract cats. Protect with wire netting for the first 2-3 years until the stems become woody.
