Contents
Description
Actinidia Kolomikta, commonly known as Kolomikta Kiwi or Arctic Kiwi, is a deciduous vine that is native to eastern Siberia, Japan, Korea, and northern China. This plant is one of the most attractive and ornamental members of the kiwi family. It is appreciated for its variegated leaves that change colors throughout the growing season, ranging from pink, white, and green in spring, to green and white in summer, and finally to pink, red, and white in autumn. Actinidia Kolomikta also produces small, sweet, and edible fruits that resemble the kiwifruit but are smaller and have a more delicate flavor.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Genus | Actinidia |
Appearance
Actinidia Kolomikta is a fast-growing vine that can reach up to 20 feet in height and 10 feet in width. Its leaves are heart-shaped, ovate, and toothed, and they can grow up to 5 inches long and 4 inches wide. The leaves are variegated, with a base color of green and white or pink, and they have irregular blotches of pink, white, and cream that become more pronounced as the season progresses. The plant produces small, fragrant, white flowers in early summer that are followed by small, edible fruits that ripen in late summer.
Care Guide
Actinidia Kolomikta is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it requires some attention to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and midsummer.- Soil: Plant Actinidia Kolomikta in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may result in less colorful foliage.- Hardiness Zones: Actinidia Kolomikta is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Actinidia Kolomikta is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be affected by the following:- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. Use a miticide to control them.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. Use a horticultural oil to control them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause white, powdery growth on leaves. Use a fungicide to control it.
Habitat
Actinidia Kolomikta is native to eastern Siberia, Japan, Korea, and northern China. It grows in forests, along rivers and streams, and in rocky areas. This plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Actinidia Kolomikta?
A: Water Actinidia Kolomikta deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.
Q: Can Actinidia Kolomikta grow in shade?
A: Actinidia Kolomikta prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may result in less colorful foliage.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Actinidia Kolomikta?
A: Actinidia Kolomikta is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Q: When should I fertilize Actinidia Kolomikta?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and midsummer.
Related Plants
– Actinidia arguta (Hardy Kiwi)- Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwifruit)- Actinidia chinensis (Chinese Gooseberry)- Actinidia kolomikta ‘Arctic Beauty’ (Variegated Arctic Kiwi)
References
– Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.- Huxley, A., Griffiths, M., & Levy, M. (1992). The new Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. Macmillan Press.- RHS. (2021). Actinidia kolomikta. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/1681/actinidia-kolomikta/details
