Hardy kiwi is an edible woody climbing vine in the kiwi family (Actinidiacea) native to Japan, Korea, China and Russia. There are three varieties and several cultivars available. The Genus name comes from the Greek word aktis meaning ray referring to how the plant growth radiates like the spokes of a wheel. Specific epithet means sharply toothed or notched referring to the leaves. In the garden, the hardy kiwi vine can grow 30 feet in one year. In its native habitat, it can grow up to 100 feet long. It prefers full sun to partial shade in well-drained fertile soil. Prune each stem in winter back to 8-10 buds and prune in summer as needed to control over-long branches. Planting in less fertile soil will help control excessive spreading. A male and female plant is needed for fruit production. Propagation is by seed or stem cuttings. Seeds need a period of cold stratification for 1 to 2 months The small fragrant flowers are greenish-white and appear in June. The green leaves are 3 to 5 inches long and appear in spring. The edible fruits are grape-sized, green, brownish or purple and smooth-skinned. The fruit doesn't need peeled making the entire fruit edible. They are similar in flavor to the larger fuzzy kiwi but sweeter and less acidic. Resistant to honey fungus. Grow this vine on a sturdy structure as it can be heavy with fruits. It can be used for screening and in the edible or pollinator garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Its rapid growth can cause this plant to be somewhat weedy. A scent, similar to catnip can be detected by visiting cats who can damage the foliage and roots while digging. Root rot can be an issue.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.