Actinidia chinensis var. setosa.

Description

This particular variety of Chinese hardy kiwi vine actually hails from Taiwan. That, and its fuzzy skin, have earned it the nickname of Taiwan peach, even though the size of the fruit is closer to a berry than a peach. The berries have the the distinctive  fuzz and taste of grocery store kiwis, though somewhat sweeter.  They're also healthy. Kiwi berries are denser in nutrients like vitamin C than the larger grocery store kiwis.

If you want to try growing them, plan on frequent pruning and strong support...left unchecked, these woody twining vines can reach  25 feet.  You'll need both a male and a female vine for fruiting. They'll they grow well in part shade, but you'll get a better crop in full sun. A note of warning to cat owners: kiwi vine smells like catnip to cats, and they may harm foliage or dig at the roots.

Soil

Moderate

Plant Shape

Creeping

Exposure

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom Time

May - June

Bloom Color

White

Landscape Use

Vine

Plant Type

Vine

Hardiness Zone

4 - 8

 

Actinidia chinensis var. setosa | Chicago Botanic Garden