Actinidia arguta aka Baby Kiwi

Actinidia arguta, commonly known as the hardy kiwi, is a perennial vine that originates from Japan, Korea, Northern China, and the Russian Far East. This deciduous and vigorous twining woody climber features ovate leaves and small cream-white female flowers. In order to produce edible pale red fruits in the autumn, it requires either a male or self-fertile pollination partner. To ensure proper ripening of the fruits, a sunny and sheltered position is necessary. Unlike its grocery store counterpart, Actinidia deliciosa, which is only hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 8, the hardy kiwi is much more cold-tolerant and can thrive in zones 3, 4, or 5, and even up to zones 8 or 9 depending on the variety. The fruit of the hardy kiwi is smaller, approximately the size of a large grape, and can be consumed whole without the need for peeling. While its delicious fruit is a notable feature, the hardy kiwi is also valued for its attractive heart-shaped foliage. It is a fast-growing and vigorous vine that can be trained on trellises, fences, pergolas, and other structures, without posing a significant invasive threat. Flowering in spring and fruiting in fall, most hardy kiwi varieties are dioecious, requiring the presence of a male plant for pollination. However, there is one self-pollinating variety that can produce fruit independently.