thou shalt not covet thy neighbors kiwi….

oh, but I do…

Look at this glorious green monster that consumes my neighbors patio and truly seems to come alive each summer.

His multiple legs are now covered with pale butter yellow flowers.

These burgundy colored vines are pushing out as far as they can go, dripping down to wind their way around any other plants in their path on the ground and also reaching up high into the sky.

There are several breeds of this deciduous twiner that grow in a wide range of climate zones, including Seattle’s zone 5. This plant is not a self-fruiting variety and would need to have a partner in pollination in order to bear brown, fuzzy skin egg shaped fruits, with that uniquely refreshing tangy sweet emerald colored flesh. Only the female plants bear fruit. I believe this is probably a Actinidia deliciosa or A. chinensis. Sunset’s Western Garden Book {my gardening bible} recommends the female varieties called “Hayward” or Saanichton” {the second a good choice for cooler areas}. As far as a mate, they recommend “Chico Male”, which is often labeled just “male”.

If I had the space, I would be so very tempted to plant an alluring Hayward over on my property so I could have a hearty harvest of kiwis each fall.