Arctic beauty kiwi
actinidia kolomikta
Also known as: ["Variegated kiwi","White-leafed kiwi"]
Overview
A deciduous vine known for its striking variegated foliage and small, edible fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["cold hardy","fragrant flowers","edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Actinidiaceae |
| Genus: | Actinidia |
| Botanical Name: | Actinidia kolomikta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, sheltered spot with morning sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor and dry
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after fruiting if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to stimulate new shoots.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to sunlight gradually; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates winter temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C).
Protect from late spring frosts; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on seasonal extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring and summer only; water before applying fertilizer; follow package instructions for dilution.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; layering in spring; seeds (less common due to variability).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a year to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching; selective removal of non-fruiting stems.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage fruiting, and remove dead or diseased wood; focus on young growth for variegation.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood; shape for air circulation.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; essential for young plants to support growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth may slow or stop; young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect young plants with frost cloth; choose hardy cultivars for colder regions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; reduced flowering or fruiting; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; apply at correct time; avoid over-fertilization; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply again after flowering; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicActinidia kolomikta is not considered toxic to cats. The fruit is safe for consumption in moderation, and other parts of the plant do not pose significant health risks to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicActinidia kolomikta is not considered toxic to dogs. The fruit is safe for consumption in moderation, and other parts of the plant do not pose significant health risks to canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicActinidia kolomikta, commonly known as the variegated kiwi, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit is edible and often consumed, while other parts of the plant do not pose significant toxicity risks.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Actinidia kolomikta a true kiwi?
A: No, it is a smaller, hardier relative of the commercial kiwi, producing smaller fruits.
Q: Does it require a male and female plant to produce fruit?
A: Yes, both male and female plants are needed for fruit production.
Q: How cold hardy is this plant?
A: It is very cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C).
Quick Reference
| Family: | Actinidiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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