Actinidium colomicta is a plant from the family of lianas, reaches 2-5 m in height. Smooth tree-like shoots of a decorative vine twist the support counterclockwise, creating a dense braiding of arbors , verandas, arches, fences. Large leaves of actinidia constantly change their color. At the beginning of the appearance they have a bronze hue, they become green and dark green as they grow, before the flowering, the lianas acquire an uneven (variegated) color, and after a few days they become gently pink. Thanks to this bright decoration, insect pollinators are attracted to the plant. Blooms liana with white flowers, the dope-pleasant aroma of which fills the whole neighborhood.
Actinidia is the fruit liana. Fruits that have reached maturity, soft green, yellow and light orange berries have a pleasant delicate taste. Of the fruits are made jam, pastille , and they are dried. The content of vitamins in fresh berries of actinidia is higher than in black currant and lemon - recognized vitamin leaders.
In the landscape design, the extraordinary beauty of the autumn vine is also used. With the onset of the cool September days, the leaves turn yellow, red, violet, so that the plant has an absolutely fantastic appearance!
Types of Actinidia
Actinidia colomicta has 30 varieties. The most famous Chinese actinidia, the fruits of which are all the favorite kiwi, have recently been found on sale. Three types of actinidia are characteristic of the temperate climatic zone:
- Actinidia colomicta (Amur gooseberry) - the most common species, blooms in late May - early June, greenish-yellow fruits are similar to gooseberry.
- Actinidia polygamous flowers large white or yellowish flowers in July. Light orange berries are edible after freezing.
- Actinidia acute has the longest length (up to 30 m). A plant resembling a rope lives more than a hundred years. Green fruits have a characteristic smell of pineapple, from one vine it is possible to collect up to 50 kg of berries.
Planting and care for actinidia colomicta
Planting of actinidia colomicta is carried out in the spring. Since the liana is a long-living plant, the landing site should be well thought out. If you do not have the experience of growing this plant, then it will be useful for you to learn how to properly plant actinidium colomict. Plant the vine at a distance of approximately 1 m from the structure. If you need to plant a number of plants, then the distance between them should be 1.5 m. The pit for actinidia is excavated by a depth of 0.5 m and a width of 60 cm. The drainage layer is made up to 15 cm, it can include pebbles, sand, broken bricks . Add to the soil humus, complex fertilizer, wood ash and sand.
In general, the cultivation of actinidia colomicta is not difficult: the plant is frost-resistant. But it reacts negatively to spring frosts. Reducing the temperature to - 4 degrees causes a darkening of the leaves and wilting of the shoots, but at - 8 degrees shoots die off. It is better to place the vine in a place protected from the wind with sufficient illumination.
Pruning of actinidia of the colomict is carried out in autumn, after the leaf fall. If the plant is cut off in the spring, then it dries. Pruning for the purpose of rejuvenation begins with a 7-year-old lianas.
Reproduction of actinidia colomicta
Liana reproduces: by layers, cuttings and seeds.
When reproducing by layers at the end of May, developed shoots are bent to the soil, attached and sprinkled with earth. It is important that the top of the shoot remains free. Next year, the layers are separated and planted in a permanent place.
Cuttings for planting cut into a length of 10 - 15 cm (must be available leaves) and remove the green part of the shoot. Plant the cuttings in a substrate of peat and sand, digging in at 5 cm. In order for the seedlings to develop well, they are shaded and watered abundantly. During the cold period young plants are covered with dry leaves or sawdust.
Many gardeners are interested in learning how to plant the actinidia of the colomict with seeds. For this, seeds are stratified for two months, that is, they are interlaid by a moist substrate and are kept at a temperature of 1 to 5 degrees Celsius. Then they are germinated indoors at room temperature. In May, the box is placed in the shaded place of the garden. Only the next spring seedlings are planted in a permanent place.
Keep in mind: actinidia is loved by cow-eaters, so it is desirable to install a grid guard around young bushes.