Northwest Blooms · Vines
Actinidia kolomikta
Variegated Kiwi Vine
- Family
- Actinidiaceae
- Height
- 15 to 30 ft
- Width
- 10 to 20 ft (vine spread on support)
- Flower color
- Creamy white, fragrant flowers
- Foliage color
- Green leaves with striking white, pink, and cream variegation
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate moisture
- Maintenance
- Moderate; requires sturdy support or trellis, prune lightly after fruiting or in late winter
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 7
- Wildlife
- Bees and other pollinators for flowers; birds and small mammals may eat small fruit
About this plant
Actinidia kolomikta is a deciduous climbing vine valued for its dramatic foliage coloration and graceful growth habit. Heart-shaped leaves emerge green, then develop irregular splashes of creamy white and soft pink as the season progresses. Small, lightly fragrant white flowers appear in late spring to early summer, adding subtle interest among the colorful foliage before giving way to modest ornamental fruit on mature plants.
Native to eastern Asia, including regions of Russia, China, and Japan, this species has long been cultivated in temperate gardens. It performs well on trellises, arbors, and fences, where the cascading foliage creates vertical interest. Actinidia kolomikta also works effectively as a decorative screen, providing seasonal color and texture throughout the growing months.
Works well in
Arbors & Trellises · Fences & Walls · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Lungworts · Daylilies · Lavender · Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it something sturdy to climb and keep the base planted with lower perennials, which shades the roots and hides bare stems.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Lakewold Garden.
