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I have a couple of plants in the garden - possibly I only have one now, because I gave the second a good scaring when I built the Hedychium house
(in which case I have lost my female plant, which I think was 'Bruno'). This is either 'Abbott' or the male 'Tomuri', I have forgotten which, but the details
may emerge from the mulch of time, or more practically, I may find the label again!
This one has been cut down repeatedly - it reaches up into an Alder, where I am happy to have it, but in the process it trails neck high ropes across the path
and eventually I get fed up with ducking under it and cut it all down. This one also needs cutting down repeatedly. As you probably can't see, it is slowly consuming a Hedychium house with the aid of Berberis thunbergii 'Auricoma' which is spiny enough to to keep me at bay until the situation becomes intolerable.br From time to time I neglect the plant and it sends a branch through the window into the Hedychium house, and those are the only branches that ever flower. Arundel Arboretum says: "Actinidia chinensis is a vigorous, deciduous climber with reddish, shaggy, hairy young shoots, and broadly ovate, heart-shaped, green leaves. Clusters of scented, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by kiwi fruits on female plants in autumn. Fruits are oblong, hairy, greenish-brown, with very tasty green flash and numerous tiny, black seeds. Actinidia chinensis grows best in fertile, rich, loamy, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun and best fruit is achieved in full sun. It can withstand some frost, but needs to be sheltered form harsh winds. New growth can be damaged by late frosts. The plant is dioecious, male and female, and not self-fertile. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. Susceptible to leaf scorch. May need some pruning in winter. Actinidia chinensis is mostly cultivated for its fruit which is of delicious flavour. Since it is a climber, the plant is best grown against a wall or on sturdy trellises, arbours, and fences." |
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| 7th Novemver 2008 | ||
