Kolomikta vine

Climber

Actinidia kolomikta

Kolomikta vine

A hardy twining climber whose heart-shaped leaves are splashed white and pink, as though dipped in paint.

  • Full sun, Partial shade
  • 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
  • 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
  • H5 · Zone 7
  • May–June
  • Deciduous
  • RHS Award of Garden Merit

Overview

A relative of the kiwi fruit from north-east Asia, this deciduous climber is grown for its remarkable leaves: green, heart-shaped and tipped first with white and then with bright pink, as if dipped in paint. The colouring develops best in full sun and on established plants, often taking two or three years to appear. Small, fragrant white flowers in early summer can produce small, sweet, edible fruit on female plants when a male is nearby. Very hardy (about -15°C / 5°F and lower). Cats love it like catnip and may damage young plants.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun, Partial shade
Height 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
Spread 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
Hardiness H5 · Zone 7
Flowers May–June
Soil Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Climbing, Twining
Water Moderate
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -15°C (5°F)
pH Range 5.5–7.5
Fertility Fertile
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Deciduous
Colour Green, White, Pink
Leaf shape / texture cordate
  • Variegated

Foliage interest: April–October

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Fruiting
Propagate
  • Flowering May Jun
  • Foliage Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Fruiting Aug Sep
  • Propagate May Jun Jul Aug

Maintenance Calendar

  • Jan In winter, shorten side shoots to a few buds and remove crowded stems, but avoid late pruning in spring, when cuts 'bleed' sap
  • Mar Protect the base of young plants with wire mesh, as cats are drawn to the plant and can damage it
  • Apr Tie in new shoots to wires so the plant covers its support evenly
  • Jul Water young plants in dry spells while they establish

Garden Design

Works well in: Cottage, Edible / Kitchen Garden, Modern / Contemporary, Tropical / Exotic, Wildlife-friendly

Train on wires against a sunny wall or fence where the painted leaves can be seen; male plants are usually said to colour more strongly.

Companion planting: Clematis, Climbing roses, Wall shrubs

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Other pollinators
  • Birds
  • Shelter
  • Food source
  • Nesting cover for birds
  • Food

Safety

Not toxic; fruit of female plants is edible. The plant contains a compound that attracts cats, which may chew or roll on young plants, so protect them with wire mesh until established.