Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine) Actinidia kolomikta
Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine) (Actinidia kolomikta) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Actinidiaceae family, native to Russian Far East, north-eastern China, Korea and Japan. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -40 °C (-40 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
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Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -40 °C (-40 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: small grape-sized fruit |
| Native to | Russian Far East, north-eastern China, Korea and Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇸🇪 Sweden |
Is Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; like silver vine, it attracts cats, which chew and roll on young stems.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine)
- How far apart should I plant Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine)?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine)?
- It tolerates about -40 °C (-40 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine) flower?
- From about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; like silver vine, it attracts cats, which chew and roll on young stems.
- What grows well with Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Male plants’ leaves turn white- and pink-tipped in sun; the hardiest kiwi, with very vitamin-C-rich fruit on females. Plant a male nearby.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Kiwifruit Actinidia deliciosa
- Hardy kiwi Actinidia arguta
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera