Hardy Kiwi Weima - Actinidia arguta

The 'Weima' Kiwi is a male variety specifically designed to ensure the pollination of female Actinidia arguta plants. The plant does not produce fruit, but offers an abundant, highly fragrant white flowering in early summer, which will pollinate 4 to 6 female plants planted nearby. In addition to its role as a pollinator, this robust plant, with heart-shaped, vibrant green leaves and climbing stems, can enhance a pergola, trellis, or arbour. It is best to plant it in autumn, in fertile, moist, and non-chalky soil.

In the category of kiwis, are the Ornamental Kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta), the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) with fuzzy skin, and the Kiwai (Actinidia arguta) with smooth skin also known as Siberian Kiwi, Mini-kiwi, or Summer Kiwi. All three belong to the Actinidiaceae family. The Kiwai is native to Asia and produces long climbing branches that can reach 4 to 6 metres long. It is hardy to -20°C with deciduous foliage. The branches bear 8 to 10 cm long heart-shaped green leaves. In June-July, at the axil of the leaves, fragrant and nectar-rich, greenish-white flowers with purple anthers appear, grouped in threes.

Actinidia arguta 'Weima' is a male variety that develops vigorous vegetation reaching 3 to 4 metres high and 4 to 5 metres in spread. Its flowering occurs between May and June, allowing it to ensure the pollination of most other varieties of arguta kiwais. It does not produce fruit.

In arguta Kiwis, female plants have egg-shaped berries, smaller than kiwis (2 to 4 cm in diameter), with smooth and thin skin, with a similar taste to gooseberries. The kiwai is sweeter than traditional kiwi, with increased calcium and vitamin C content. Its flavour lends itself perfectly to nouvelle cuisine, enhancing fruit salads and creating sweet or savoury dishes. It is important to note that this variety is not self-fertile, it is a male plant that does not produce fruit but ensures the pollination of 5 to 6 female plants. It is perfect for pollinating varieties such as: Geneva, Ken's red, Scarlet September, Super Jumbo, Bingo, Ananasnaya, and many others.

In addition to its fruit qualities, its lush foliage, fragrant flowering, and generous branches provide the Kiwai with ornamental use and utility in the garden. This plant needs to be trained on a sturdy support such as wires stretched on a frame, a trellis, a pergola, an arbour, or a fence. It prefers light, moist, non-chalky soil and a sunny exposure.