Actinidia polygama aka Silver Vine

Actinidia polygama, or silver vine, belongs to the Actinidiaceae family. Its native range spans the southern Russian Far East, China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in temperate parts of this broad range. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Silver vine is a woody climber with twining stems. Those stems grow heavy, so garden plants need strong support. Its climbing form makes it a plant for supported growth.

The leaves provide its main appeal in the garden. Their silver colour grows more marked as summer goes on. This change gives the plant its common name, silver vine. The display comes from foliage as well as flowers. Chicago Botanic Garden lists white blooms from May to June. Its account also notes fragrant flowers in late June. Thus, both scent and leaf colour contribute to its garden value.

Yellow and orange berries add colour in the fall. Their taste has a sharp, peppery edge that draws the mouth. Chicago Botanic Garden reports that people in Japan seldom eat them raw. The fruit display therefore offers a different appeal from its taste. A nearby male plant helps increase the crop. Full sun also brings more flowers and a larger harvest. Birds visit the plant, adding wildlife interest to its garden role.

Silver vine grows in full sun or partial shade. Choose full sun when flowers and fruit are the main aim. Part shade remains an option for growing the vine. The supplied care record gives it a moderate water need. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. Its woody stems call for frequent pruning as they grow. Strong support and pruning are key parts of its care. An unchecked plant can become heavy on its support.

Cats may take a strong interest in silver vine. Chicago Botanic Garden compares their response to that caused by catnip. They may damage leaves or dig around the roots. This can be a practical problem where cats reach plants. The same source reports a sedative use for zoo lions. That use involved large amounts of the leaves. It does not establish a safe dose for pets.