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Description
Actinidia Chinensis Var. Hispida, also known as the hardy kiwi, is a climbing vine that belongs to the Actinidiaceae family. This plant is native to China and is widely grown in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and New Zealand. This deciduous plant can grow up to 30 feet long and produces small, greenish-white flowers in the spring. It is best known for its small, edible fruits that are similar to the kiwi fruit but are sweeter and have a smoother skin.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Genus | Actinidia |
Appearance
The hardy kiwi has a twining habit, with long stems that can grow up to 30 feet long. The leaves are alternate, simple, and heart-shaped, with a glossy green surface and a slightly serrated edge. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, edible fruits that are oval in shape and have a smooth skin. The fruits range in color from green to brown and are about the size of a grape.
Care Guide
The hardy kiwi is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires regular watering and fertilization. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant needs full sun to produce fruit, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Hardy kiwi is hardy to USDA zones 4-8, but it can be grown in warmer climates if provided with shade and adequate moisture.
Water
Hardy kiwi plants require regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The hardy kiwi should be fertilized in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. This will help promote healthy growth and fruit production.
Soil
The hardy kiwi prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight
The hardy kiwi needs full sun to produce fruit, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
Hardy kiwi is hardy to USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The hardy kiwi is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:
Pests
– Spider mites- Aphids- Scale insects- Japanese beetles- Whiteflies
Diseases
– Powdery mildew- Crown rot- Phytophthora root rot- Bacterial canker
Habitat
The hardy kiwi is native to China and is widely grown in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and New Zealand. The plant prefers temperate climates with cool summers and mild winters. It can grow in a variety of soil types and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the hardy kiwi be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the hardy kiwi can be grown in containers, but it will require regular pruning to keep it from becoming too large.
Q: When is the best time to prune the hardy kiwi?
A: The best time to prune the hardy kiwi is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Q: How often should I fertilize my hardy kiwi?
A: You should fertilize your hardy kiwi twice a year, in the spring and fall.
Q: How long does it take for the hardy kiwi to bear fruit?
A: The hardy kiwi can take 3-5 years to bear fruit.
Related Plants
– Actinidia arguta (Hardy kiwi)- Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwi fruit)- Actinidia kolomikta (Arctic beauty kiwi)
References
– “Actinidia chinensis var. hispida.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 16, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287214.- “Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis).” University of Minnesota Extension. Accessed September 16, 2021. https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-hardy-kiwi.- “Actinidia chinensis var. hispida.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank. Accessed September 16, 2021. https://www.plantwise.org/knowledgebank/datasheet/58119.
