Actinidia kolomikta 'Dr Szymanowski' (self-fertile) (female)

Actinidia kolomikta 'Dr Szymanowski' (Dr Szymanowski Arctic Kiwi) is a rare selection of self-fertile Arctic Kiwi. Lemon-scented, small white flowers appear in early summer. Fruits are ready to eat by early fall (mid-September). In order to bear fruits, 'Dr Szymanowski' requires a minimum of 130 days without frost. Variegated Kiwi Vine Kiwis are known to ripen earlier than other kiwi species. The fruit is oval-shaped and green with thin, slightly hairy, edible skin. The juicy green flesh has a sweet, acidic kiwi flavor. The fruit is ripe when it slightly gives way under pressure.

This Female Arctic Kiwi produces "parthenocarpic" fruits. Parthenocarpic fruits develop without fertilization, and therefore, there is no need to plant a male plant nearby to produce fruits. The resulting fruits are seedless. ‘Dr Szymanowski’ is one of only two self-fertile Arctic Kiwi (Self-fertile Actinidia kolomikta), the other cultivar being ‘Anniki’. While this variety is self-fertile, planting a male nearby could increase fruit quantity and size. Only one male Kiwi plant is required to pollinate 6 to 8 females. Actinidia kolomikta cannot pollinate other species of kiwis such as A. arguta, A. deliciosa and A. chinensis.

While the variegated foliage of Actinidia kolomikta Female Vine is less colourful than the males of the same species, the heart-shaped leaves are tri-coloured with spectacular green, white, and pink variegation. The foliage variegation isn't visible on young plants, as it usually takes 2 to 3 years to appear. Male cultivars of Actinidia kolomikta are especially attractive, and often planted for their ornamental value alone. Dr Symanowski Kiwi foliage turns a nice orange-red in the fall.

Hardy to zone 4a (-34.5 °C or -30 °F). Arctic Kiwis (Actinidia kolomikta) are the most cold hardy of all the kiwi species, and therefore the best to thrive in the coldest areas. This fast-growing variegated kiwi vine performs best planted in full sun with lots of moisture and near a trellis or fence to climb on. If space is limited, it could eventually be grown in a planter.