Arctic Beauty Kiwi
(Actinidia kolomikta)
Native to the forests of eastern Russia where it is called Kishmish, Arctic Beauty is the hardiest of all the Kiwi species. It forms a beautiful vine with unique, light and airy foliage which in the spring is splashed with white and pink variegation. The variegation may not be present on younger vines, as it increases with age. Male plants are especially colorful and are often planted alone for their ornamental value. Less vigorous than the Hardy or Fuzzy Kiwi and happier with some shade, you can use Arctic Beauty Kiwi to cover the north side of a fence, arbor or trellis. The females produce small fruits which are about the size of a grape. The shape of the fruit is elongated The fruit is fuzz-less, sweet and delicious and can be eaten just like grapes – skin and all!
Arctic Beauty Kiwi likes partial shade, well-drained soil and is not bothered by pests or diseases. Drought will greatly retard their growth and appearance as they prefer to be kept moist, but not soaked. They are hardy to -40°F (USDA zone 3) and will grow 6-8 ft wide on a fence, trellis, arbor or other support. The blooms arrive in May, the fruit ripens in August. Plants should begin to produce fruit (or pollen in the case of males) 2-3 years after planting and females can produce 10-15 pounds of fruit at maturity. Males produce do not produce fruit - only pollen. Females do not produce any pollen, only fruit. At least 1 male and 1 female must be planted together for fruit production, however only 1 male is needed per 8 females. Arctic Beauty Kiwis cannot cross-pollinate with Hardy Kiwi or any other kind of Kiwi.
Pasha™ (Male) Arctic Beauty Kiwi
$25.00
Only a few left!
A good pollinator and also a fine ornamental vine that features strikingly colorful foliage. Males do not bear fruit.
This male plant does not produce fruit but does produce pollen which is necessary for the female Arctic Beauty Kiwi plants to produce fruit.