Family:	Actinidiaceae
Genus:	Actinidia
Species:	kolomikta
Common name:	variegated kiwi
Height:	5m
Spread:	2m
RHS AGM

Native to eastern Asia, introduced to Europe in 1856 and to UK in 1877.

First described by Russian botanist Carl Johann Maximowicz (1827-1891), who discovered it in Manchuria and used the local name as specific epithet. Its natural habitat is clearings in mountainous forests.

Although smaller than the kiwi-fruit (A. deliciosa), the fruits of A. kolomikta are popular in Russia, and leaves are used as flavouring in the cooking of eastern Asia.

A deciduous twining climber, growing to 5m with a spread of around 2m, grown for its multicoloured leaves. Dioecious; the form generally available is male so will not bear fruit. Extremely hardy – survives in Siberia, although the RHS grades it as H5.

Leaves are around 15cm long, cordate with deeply-marked veins. The base colour is a dullish green, but on male plants with mature growth, leaves can be splashed with white or pink, the colouring starting at the tip of the leaf and either covering the whole leaf or forming a random pattern with the green.

Bears clusters of small (up to 1cm) lightly scented white flowers in May / June. Where male and female are planted, flowers may be followed by edible yellow-green fruit, which are ovoid, around 2.5cm.

Stems are slender and twining, mustard with a reddish tinge when young, maturing to a glossy dark burgundy with small lenticels.

Variegation is better in sun, but will tolerate some dappled shade. Likes a sheltered position. Prefers a well-drained soil, but will grow well in any decent soil that doesn’t become waterlogged.

A twining climber, so support is required. Pruning should be done in late winter, before growth starts.

Very attractive to cats, and may be damaged by their enthusiasm, but otherwise generally free of pests and diseases.

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in spring, or by grafting.

A very attractive climber that looks best grown against a wall and, unlike Wisteria, it is just as suitable in a modern setting.