Actinidia kolomikta

Actinidia kolomikta

Why Buy Me?

• Great foliage colours
• Fragrant flowers
• Ideal for growing up trellis, walls and pergolas

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Best variegation in full sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun in hot, dry areas.

• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; thrives in fertile loam, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0)

• Site: Sheltered position, protected from strong winds

• Aspect: South, west, or east-facing wall, trellis, or pergola

Cultivation & Care

• Planting time: Spring or autumn

• Support: Needs a sturdy structure to climb (wires, trellis, pergola)

• Watering: Regular watering in dry spells during establishment; more drought-tolerant once mature

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring

• Pruning:

  • Prune in late winter (February) or just after flowering in summer

  • Remove weak or crossing stems and shape to control size

  • Can bleed sap if pruned too early in spring

Seasonal Interest

• Spring: Small, fragrant white flowers (on mature plants, mid to late spring); fresh green foliage emerges

• Summer: Eye-catching foliage variegation develops — mature male leaves show pink and white tips, often in a spectacular tricolour display

• Autumn: Leaves turn yellow before falling; fruit may ripen (on female plants)

• Winter: Bare stems remain; no ornamental interest

Fruit Production

• Only female plants bear fruit, and a male plant is needed nearby for pollination

• Fruits are small, smooth-skinned, and edible (mini kiwis); typically ripen late summer to early autumn

• Fruit best in long, warm summers — production in the UK can be limited

Wildlife Value

• Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators

• Fruit: Edible for birds and small mammals

• Not particularly significant for wildlife beyond these uses

Garden Uses

• Ornamental climber: Ideal for covering fences, pergolas, or walls

• Shade: Provides seasonal shade when grown on a pergola

• Edible garden: Suitable for edible landscaping if fruiting is a goal

• Cottage & woodland gardens: Fits well in informal or semi-wild planting schemes

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Actinidia kolomikta. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.