Most winter hardy kiwi vine, to -40° F, although it can be tender in spring if an early warm spell brings it out of dormancy prematurely. Male Arcitic Beauty Kiwis have extremely ornamental foliage, green heart shaped leaves with pink and white variegations. Does best in shade to part sun. The male pollinates Sentyabraskaya, Matovaya, and Victor Beauty Female Arctic Beauty Kiwis.
ZONE: 3-8
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Male will provide hundreds of showy white blooms with fluffy yellow stamens over 2-3 weeks in April/May; female flowers have thin white stamens (no pollen on them) by comparison.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full to 1/2 SHADE (in hottest areas), balanced regular moisture A MUST, and soils with high organic matter. Reduce grass competition in root zone. Top dress with compost yearly, and suppliment with timed-release organic fertilizer. Needs very sharp drainage. Dormant prune in February for airflow and ease of harvest. Vines will bleed if cut during active growth. Spur bearer. Prune like grapes. Provide very sturdy trellis especially for female vines - males can be kept tightly pruned or allowed to ramble up tall trees.
CHILL HOURS: Medium: 800 hours below 45F; needs 210 frost-free days to ripen.
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Very good. If cold kills the vines, they can re-sprout from their own roots the following year.
SIZE AT MATURITY: 20' x 15' unpruned
