Arctic Beauty Hardy Kiwi

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

12 - 15 Feet

Mature Spread

12 - 15 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Arctic Beauty Kiwi is an amazing ornamental vine with a trio of colors on the mature leaves and a rambling, sprawling habit. Actinidia kolomikta ‘Arctic Beauty’ is a dioecious plant, which means that it needs one male and one female plant to produce fruit. The male kiwi plants have deep-green ornamental foliage randomly splashed with white and pink, which is eye-catching and useful for decorating a privacy trellis or an arbor over a patio. 

Arctic Kiwi is native to eastern Russia's forests and is a very hardy grower. USDA zones 3-8 can all grow Arctic beauty with little winter protection. The small cream flowers in May are highly fragrant and attract pollinators like mad for the short period they are in bloom. There is no need to deadhead the spent flowers as the kiwi berry is self-cleaning. Deer do not browse on Arctic Kiwi, and there are few other pests or diseases that bother this trailing plant.

Arctic Beauty Kiwi Care

Plant Kiwi in a site that is well draining throughout the year. Waterlogged soil during the winter is the number one reason that these vines do not succeed. Full sun to part shade is acceptable. Arctic Kiwi will do perfectly well growing with a north-facing exposure with only early or late day sun. Fertilizing is optional. Mulch the root zone with 4-6  inches of organic compost or finely shredded leaves in the spring to slowly feed the soil and help hold moisture in the soil. Water new and mature plants once a week with 1 inch of water. Supplemental watering will be needed during extreme heat and dry spells.

The best time to prune Arctic Kiwi is in late winter or early spring, just before the new leaves emerge. Prune to restrict growth or to encourage new shoots in sparse areas. Tie in any wayward branches at the same time. Arctic Kiwis can be vigorous growers that develop many heavy branches. Make sure the trellis or structure you are using can handle the weight. 

Arctic Beauty Kiwi Spacing

Arctic Beauty grows far more vertically than they are wide and do not have to be spaced far apart when planting. Since the mature height (length) is 12-15 feet, make sure to plant only one plant per trellis. Growing Kiwi to cover a free-standing arbor will require one plant per corner post. Place the planting holes 6-8 inches away from the post base and position the vines at an angle toward the growing post.