Kiwi Plant Tomuri (male) - Actinidia deliciosa

The Tomuri Male Deliciosa Kiwi is a vigorous and ornamental deciduous climber. This plant is the male counterpart allowing the pollination of 5 to 7 female Hayward kiwi plants, as it blooms at the same time. Its twisted stems are adorned with large round leaves, carried by pretty red and fuzzy petioles, and they wrap around their support if care is taken to train them. Flowering takes place in late spring, with large white-cream scented flowers, with golden fertile stamens. This actinidia prefers rich, well-drained and moist soils in sunny to semi-shaded locations, sheltered from severe frosts.

Actinidia deliciosa Tomuri belongs to the Actinidiaceae family. It originates from Actinidia chinensis, which is native to central and western regions of China. This vigorous climber can grow up to 3m (10ft) per year under favourable conditions, reaching a height of 5 to 7m (16 to 23ft) and a spread of 6 to 7m (20 to 23ft). Its long sinuous stems can reach the thickness of a finger, forming an intertwining structure capable of breaking a fragile support. They bear large oval and entire leaves, ranging from bright to dark green, with a matte texture, covered, like the petioles and stems, in small red hairs. The leaves are wide and ovate on the sterile shoots, more rounded on the fertile shoots. From the third or fourth year of cultivation, flowers appear on the year's branches. Flowering occurs in May-June, with large dented white-cream petals, measuring 4 to 5cm (2in) in diameter, surrounding a heart of fertile golden stamens.

The Tomuri kiwi is an expansive plant that needs space to establish itself. It is necessary to provide a sturdy and sufficiently large support to accommodate at least one female plant and one male plant, which can be trained on a wall with strong wire, a pergola, or two tree trunks. It is also a highly ornamental climber with its exotic appearance and lush foliage. This plant is not highly hardy (-12/-15°C (10.4/5°F)), so it should be planted in a sheltered location, protected from cold winds.