What is a Kiwi Vine?

Kiwi vine most commonly refers to the plant Actinidia kolomikta, sometimes called Kolomikta vine, hardy kiwi or variegated actinidia. It is a climbing, woody vine that can grow 8-20 feet (2.4-6 m) tall, and is native to eastern Russia, Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The kiwi vine is deciduous, shedding its leaves seasonally and also doecious, meaning that individual plants are either female or male. It is related to the species Actinidia deliciosa, the plant that produces the kiwi fruit widely available in stores. The kiwi vine is usually grown in northern, temperate regions as a garden plant or for its fruit that is similar to real kiwi fruit, though the fruit of this vine is smaller and lacks the fuzzy skin.

Many gardeners grow kiwi vine for its striking foliage. The leaves are elongated heart-shapes that can vary in color. Female plants usually have dark-green leaves, but the leaves of the male plants are often variegated, with two or more different colors on each leaf, including white, pink, red and purple. Male specimens of the common cultivar Arctic Beauty Kiwi have leaves that start out purple, later changing to pink and white.

This plant is often used as an ornamental climber to cover trellises, arbors or lattices but it is not self-clinging and needs to be fastened to whatever structure is used for support. Its flowers are small, white and fragrant and attract butterflies and birds. The kiwi vine's edible fruits are green and grape-sized with soft, smooth skin and, in some countries like Poland and Russia, the plant is grown specifically for its fruit. Both male and female plants are required for successful pollination and fruit production, and to make this easier a male plant is sometimes grafted onto a female plant.

Kiwi vine grows best in fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. It needs regular watering and can tolerate partial shade, but the leaves will be more colorful in full sun. The plant can live for up to ten years and is very hardy, able to tolerate temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 C).

Kiwi vine is commonly propagated by cuttings or grafting, but can also be grown from seed. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruit but in order to germinate they need to be cleaned thoroughly of all pulp and then subjected to a period of cold temperatures before planting. This plant is somewhat susceptible to various kinds of fungal diseases and can also be in danger from cats, as they are attracted by its catnip-like scent.