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Fairchild Hardy Kiwi
When hardy kiwi vines were first introduced into American gardens in the 1880's, they were valued for their fragrant spring bloom and their ability to "green up" large structures such as pergolas and long stone fences. It was 50 years before most people realized how delicious the berries are. That's when 'Fairchild' came on the scene.
Hardy kiwi vine 'Fairchild' is female, and that's important if you want to grow it for the fruit as well as the flowers,
because you'll need a male vine for pollination. Once the vine reaches maturity, you'll be rewarded with
deliciously sweet, smooth-skinned fruit about the size of a large grape.
because you'll need a male vine for pollination. Once the vine reaches maturity, you'll be rewarded with
deliciously sweet, smooth-skinned fruit about the size of a large grape.
'Fairchild'
is hardy to -35, so you can be confident Chicago winters
won't faze it. And it's happy in full sun or
part shade. However, it will need frequent pruning and strong
support...the vines are large and heavy. A note of warning to cat owners: this vine smells like
catnip to cats, and they may harm foliage or dig at the roots.
Soil:
Moist
Plant Shape:
Creeping
Exposure:
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Bloom Time:
May - June
Bloom Color:
White
Landscape Use:
Vine
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Birds
Plant Type:
Vine
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8