In 2015, try cold-hardy kiwi, smart flowerpot

By Marilyn McKinley

OSU Extension master gardener volunteer

Gardeners are usually competitive people. They may not exhibit the trait often, but they love to have the biggest, best and most unusual. Growing something others can’t seem to grow or even think of trying makes a gardener’s heart race with joy.

Here in Northeast Ohio we are generally considered to be in planting Zone 5. In recent years there have been some changes, classifying us in Zone 6. However, considering the past two winters, to be safe, I now lean toward looking for hardy down to Zone 4. But there are some oddball things that can be successfully grown here, things that will satisfy even the most competitive of gardeners.

How about cold-hardy kiwi (Actinindia argute annasnaja), which withstands temps down to minus 25. Different from the kiwis we buy at the market, yes. Plants are similar to grapevines and are fast growers producing sweet little fruits. The flowers reminds the nose of lily–of-the-valley.

Plants are male and female, so you’ll need at least one of each. Their spring flowers are susceptible to early spring frosts, so protection may be needed in low-lying sites. Proper site selection and protection during the first year are important, but are well worth the taste of this large, sweet cherry-type fruit. To learn how to grow them, go to http://go.osu.edu/hardykiwi