Hardy kiwi is an extraordinarily vigorous woody climber grown primarily for its grape-sized, smooth-skinned, sweet fruit rather than its flowers. A mature vine on a strong pergola or fence produces hundreds of small kiwi fruits in autumn. The small white flowers are fragrant but not showy; you need both a male and female plant for fruit production.
The foliage — with large, heart-shaped leaves — requires a very sturdy structure: established vines can weigh hundreds of pounds and are not deterred by ordinary trellises.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Grey fuzzy mould on petals and stems, worst in cool wet conditions.
Remove affected parts immediately. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply copper fungicide if severe.
Crown Rot
Lower leaves yellow and wilt; the base of the rosette turns brown and soft, sometimes with white fungal threads at the soil line. Plants collapse in wet conditions.
Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering. Do not mulch directly against the crown. Space plants for airflow and avoid replanting in the same wet spot.
Phytophthora Root Rot
Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and dark, decayed roots and crown tissue. Vines may collapse during hot weather.
Plant in well-draining soil and avoid waterlogging. Remove and destroy affected vines. Improve drainage with raised beds or amended soil and avoid overwatering.
Bacterial Blight (Pseudomonas)
Angular dark spots with yellow halos on leaves, wilting shoots, and oozing cankers on canes in spring. Buds may fail to open.
Prune out infected wood in dry weather and disinfect tools between cuts. Avoid overhead watering and excessive nitrogen. Apply copper sprays during dormancy in areas with recurring infection.