How big does Hardy kiwi grow?

About 9 m × 6 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 7.6–9 m × 2.1–6 m.

What soil does Hardy kiwi grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Hardy kiwi be planted?

Plant it at least 3.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Hardy kiwi flower?

Flowering: May–June, white, green.

How much water does Hardy kiwi need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Hardy kiwi

Actinidia arguta

Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a fruit plant that reaches 9 m × 6 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €20.

Illustration of Hardy kiwi — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A vigorous twining climber that bears grape-sized, smooth-skinned kiwis you can eat whole in early autumn, while giving dense green shade over a pergola. One plant is not enough for a crop: most varieties have separate male and female plants, so plant a male next to the female (one male serves several females). It needs a very strong support (pergola, arbour or a wire trellis) and pruning twice a year, otherwise it swamps everything around it.

Watch out for

The woody parts are winter hardy, but it leafs out early and late spring frosts easily kill the young shoots and flower buds, which means no crop that year. It is shallow rooted and drops leaves and fruit in summer drought unless watered. Prone to root rot in heavy, waterlogged soil. Cats are attracted by its scent and may chew or dig up young plants. Expect to wait several years for the first crop.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: High
Size after 10 years: 9 m × 6 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white, green

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	9 m × 6 m
Ultimate size	7.6–9 m × 2.1–6 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white, green
Harvest	September–October
Self-fertile	no
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	High
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 3.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	300 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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