Fruiting vines are often forgotten when we are choosing vines to provide beauty and screening in our gardens.
Wisteria, clematis, climbing hydrangea and trumpet vines are all beautiful, and most require a lot of maintenance to keep in check on small or medium sized supports.
Often forgotten are grapes and Arctic kiwi. Both vines require regular pruning to train and harvest optimal crops, but the rewards are great. They take a few years to establish but are well worth the wait. Grapes need the sunniest of spots, but the arctic kiwi, Actinidia arguta, can take some shade.
For those who have not had the luck of tasting the Arctic kiwi, (sometimes available at upscale grocery outlets, sold as “kiwi berries,) they are grape-sized kiwis without the fuzzy skin. You eat the whole fruit. They are quite acidic so need to be tried out in moderation to see how your body handles them, but they are delicious. They freeze well: I do them on trays and then bag them after they are frozen, so they are easy to use by the handful throughout the year. You could also make preserves, as well.
Arctic kiwi need a lot of pruning as they are vigorous growers, they also require a sturdy support as they can quickly become large vines. During the growing season the long tendrils that grow beyond the fruit need to be removed so the fruit is exposed to the sun. Same scenario with grapes, but kiwis are more vigorous growers. If you are planning to build a support for either of these vines, I would suggest using 6x6 uprights, and 2x6 cross members for the support.
When we use an existing support, not realizing how robust our vine will be, sometimes the vines pull the structure over. Both vines will offer great summer privacy.
In winter, grapes provide less cover due to early dormant season pruning and a more open training structure, kiwis provide more screening due to their denser framework.
The Actinidia arguta are easy to propagate, simply fill a hanging basket with soil and hang from the vine. Place a branch on the soil and hold down with a rock. I usually do three baskets and get two or three new plants this way. When the young plant is well-rooted in the pot, cut the connection to the parent and plant near a sturdy support.
Heather Schamehorn is a certified residential landscape designer, educator, sustainability advocate and acupressure therapist. Contact via www.perennialpleasures.ca
