Actinidia arguta 'Issai'
Issai belongs to the mini-kiwis, but is self-pollinating. The tasty kiwi berry is not growing fast and is therefore very suitable for a small garden or a balcony. The red colored stems do need support. The height of Actinidia arguta 'Issai' is between 3 and 4 meters. This mini-kiwi prefers a spot in full sun in a sheltered spot. In late May - early June Actinidia arguta 'Issai' grows white flowers. Depending on external conditions the fruit in October or November will be ripe.
Flowering period
Planting period
About this plant
Hardy kiwi Actinidia
Kiwi vines (Actinidia) are deciduous twining climbers from the temperate forests of eastern Asia, mainly China, Japan and the Russian Far East. They are grown for their edible fruits as well as for their large, decorative leaves. Most species carry male and female flowers on separate plants, so a male plant is usually needed nearby to get fruit.
Hardy kiwi Actinidia arguta
The hardy kiwi or kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) comes from China, Japan, Korea and the Russian Far East. It is a vigorous climber with glossy, finely toothed leaves and fragrant, greenish-white flowers in June. The grape-sized fruits have a smooth, edible skin and a sweeter, more aromatic taste than the common kiwi.
Location and soil
The hardy kiwi grows in sun or partial shade in any ordinary garden soil that stays moist but drains well, and it also copes with clay. It is the most frost-resistant of the fruiting kiwis and comes through Belgian winters without trouble. In very rich soil it grows extremely fast.
Pruning and care
Train the stems onto a strong support. In winter, from December to February, shorten the side shoots to a few buds, and in summer cut back shoots that become too long. Most plants need a male partner to fruit, although self-fertile selections exist. The fruits are picked from late September through October.
Use in the garden
Ideal for pergolas, fences, arches and walls, where it combines handsome foliage with a generous crop. The small fruits are eaten straight from the plant, skin and all, and keep for about two weeks in the fridge. The scented flowers are visited by bees.
Characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Genus | Actinidia |
| Species | arguta |
| Cultivar | 'Issai' |
Flowering
| Flowering period | april, may |
| Colour (flower) | white |
Foliage
| Evergreen | no |
| Colour (foliage) | green |
Growth habit
| Height | 250 cm |
Location
| Winter hardiness | -20 °C |
| Soil type | neutral |
| Location | sun |
| Soil moisture | normal |
Use
| Type (use) | climbing |