Hardy Kiwi Vine 'Silver Lining' (Actinidia arguta)

Small edible kiwis hang in clusters along the stems amid attractive silver-edged leaves. The smooth-skinned green fruit are about the size of grapes and taste like sweet tropical kiwis. Give this vigorous grower full sun with a support to ramble on. In our summer trial gardens, ‘Silver Lining’ was self-fertile, but cross-pollination with a hardy male kiwi will increase yields. If it is grown in a pot, simply winter over outside by dropping the pot into the ground and covering with mulch, or plant directly into the ground for the most vigorous growth. ‘Silver Lining’ needs to be pruned in the springtime to maintain shape. Remember to leave some vining stems because flowers form on last year’s growth. Thanks to our friend Ted Stephens of Nurseries Caroliniana for finding this beautifully variegated Japanese Hardy Kiwi cultivar. Hardy to zone 5.