Ken's Red Hardy Kiwi

Ken�s Red Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta 'Ken�s Red')

Ken�s Red Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta 'Ken�s Red') is a vigorous, cold-hardy fruiting vine prized for its striking red-skinned fruit, high yield, and lush ornamental foliage. This female cultivar of hardy kiwi is one of the most visually unique selections available, producing large, sweet, grape-sized kiwis with red skin and red-tinged flesh. Originally bred in New Zealand, 'Ken�s Red' combines ornamental value and productive harvests in temperate gardens from coast to coast.

Distinctive Features

'Ken�s Red' is a fast-growing, twining vine that can reach 20 to 30 feet in length when supported by an arbor, trellis, or fence. It bears glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers in early summer, followed by clusters of red, smooth-skinned fruit that ripen in late summer to early fall. The fruit is exceptionally sweet, with a juicy texture and no need to peel. For pollination and fruit production, a male Actinidia arguta plant�such as 'Hardy Male' or 'Meader'�must be planted nearby.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun is ideal for best fruit size and flavor; will tolerate light shade with reduced yields.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter; avoid overly wet or compacted soils.
• Water: Moderate; provide consistent moisture during the growing season, especially during fruit development.
• Humidity: Performs well in temperate climates; protect from prolonged drought and drying winds.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�8; fully cold-hardy and suitable for northern gardens with adequate sun.

Ideal Uses

• Edible Landscapes: Combines ornamental foliage with reliable, sweet fruit production.
• Arbors and Pergolas: Dense vines create natural shade and privacy while yielding colorful harvests.
• Trellises and Fences: Excellent vertical coverage for screening or decorative garden walls.
• Backyard Orchards: A flavorful and low-maintenance addition to home fruit gardens.
• Permaculture Systems: Useful as a productive vine in multi-layered planting designs.

Low Maintenance Care

Ken�s Red is low maintenance once established, but regular pruning is important to control size and encourage fruiting. With proper support and pollination, it will produce heavy yields and bring vibrant color to edible landscapes.

• Watering: Water deeply and consistently during hot weather and fruiting; mulch helps retain soil moisture.
• Pruning: Prune annually in late winter to promote fruit-bearing wood and keep vines in check.
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can reduce fruiting.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free; monitor for leaf spot or scale in overly humid or crowded conditions.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy; protect roots with mulch in cold regions to buffer against freeze-thaw cycles.

Why Choose Ken�s Red Hardy Kiwi?

Ken�s Red stands out among hardy kiwi cultivars for its colorful fruit, excellent flavor, and ornamental versatility. It�s a reliable performer that brings beauty and productivity together in northern gardens and edible landscapes.

• Striking Red Fruit: Smooth-skinned kiwis with rich red coloring and sweet, tangy flavor.
• Cold Hardy: Thrives in climates too cold for fuzzy kiwifruit varieties.
• High Yielding: Produces abundant fruit when pollinated by a male vine.
• Ornamental Appeal: Glossy foliage and fragrant flowers enhance garden aesthetics.
• Dual-Purpose Plant: Combines structure, beauty, and fruit in one vigorous vine.

For edible landscapes that demand both flavor and visual appeal, Ken�s Red Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta 'Ken�s Red') offers a bold, productive, and cold-tolerant solution.