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Female perennial deciduous fruiting vine
Actinidiaceae
Female Anna hardy kiwi with tropical-flavoured fruit
Female Anna hardy kiwi (Ananasnaya)
Actinidia arguta ‘Anna’
Female Anna hardy kiwi is a Zone 4 fruiting vine capable of surviving reliably cold winters. Its twining stems quickly cover a sturdy trellis and carry green foliage that may show bronze spring tones followed by glossy green. Small, lightly fragrant white flowers appear in spring. To produce smooth, sweet green berries, this female selection must grow near a compatible male hardy kiwi such as Andrew. The fuzz-free fruit can be eaten whole in late summer or early fall. Provide fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soil and prune during dormancy to control vigorous growth. Protect young stems from cats, which may be strongly attracted to Actinidia.
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade; sun for the strongest fruiting, with protection from late frost
- Hardiness
- Zone 4
Discover the plant
Common nameFemale Anna hardy kiwi (Ananasnaya)
FamilyActinidiaceae
GenusActinidia
Speciesarguta
CultivarAnna (Ananasnaya)
TypeFemale perennial deciduous fruiting vine
Botanical nameActinidia arguta ‘Anna’
Female Anna hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta ‘Anna’), also known as Ananasnaya, is a vigorous Zone 4 fruiting vine. Twining stems carry glossy green deciduous foliage and clusters of small fragrant ivory-white flowers from May to June. This female selection produces oval green berries that may develop a reddish blush when a compatible male, such as Andrew, flowers nearby. Fruit measures approximately 3.5 × 2.5 cm (1.5 × 1 in), can be eaten with its smooth skin, and offers a sweet-tart tropical flavour often compared with pineapple. Mature vines create dense seasonal cover.
Plant Anna in full sun or partial shade and fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Full sun generally supports a heavier crop, while a protected site helps tender shoots and flowers escape late frost. Install a very sturdy trellis, pergola, or fence before planting because the vine becomes heavy and can reach approximately 7.5 to 9 m high (25 to 30 ft). Space vines 3 to 4.5 m (10 to 15 ft) apart, water deeply during establishment, and maintain even moisture. Mulch without covering the crown, and protect young stems from cats attracted to Actinidia.
For fruit, grow a compatible male hardy kiwi, such as Andrew, close enough for bees to move pollen between flowers. Prune during winter dormancy to maintain a clear framework, then shorten overly long shoots in summer without removing all fruiting wood. Harvest berries in late summer or early fall as they begin to soften and develop their sweet-tart flavour. Eat them fresh with their smooth skin or prepare compote and preserves. Collect fallen fruit, keep the support accessible, and avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages foliage at the expense of flowers. Tender spring growth can still be injured by sudden late frost.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
3 to 4.5 m (10 to 15 ft) between vines; place a compatible male nearby
Best planting time
In spring after the soil thaws, or in early fall at least six weeks before persistent frost
Propagation
Cuttings, layering, or grafting to preserve the female Anna cultivar faithfully
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral, approximately 5.5 to 7.0
Minimum temperature
Approximately -30 °C (-22 °F) while dormant, depending on establishment and exposure
Care level
Moderate to high because training, pollination, and pruning are required
Watering
Water deeply after planting, then keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Check moisture beneath mulch before watering again: the surface may dry slightly, but the root ball should not dry completely. An established vine still benefits from irrigation during hot periods, flowering, and fruit enlargement. Direct water toward the roots rather than over foliage, and prevent stagnant water. Expand the watered area as the vine and its root system grow.
Soil type
Fertile, organic-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil is ideal. Slightly acidic to neutral loam is especially suitable. The vine tolerates clay or sand when structure has been improved and moisture remains even. Avoid stagnant water, prolonged drought, strongly alkaline soil, and deep cultivation that injures shallow roots. A mulch layer helps conserve cool conditions, reduce weed competition, and protect the root zone.
Fertilization
In spring, spread a thin layer of mature compost across the root zone without touching the stems. If a soil test identifies a deficiency, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer according to its label. Avoid heavy nitrogen because it produces excessively vigorous stems, delays hardening, and may reduce flowering and fruiting. Water after any granular application and judge future feeding by growth rather than habit.
Moisture
Even moisture; cool soil that never remains waterlogged
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the trellis, retie main stems, and remove dead wood after budbreak. Protect tender shoots when late frost is forecast. Confirm that the compatible male vine is alive and flowering at the same time as Anna. During growth, guide new stems before they tangle and irrigate when soil begins drying beneath mulch. After flowering, shorten overly long shoots lightly without removing all fruiting wood. In late summer, taste berries regularly and harvest when they become soft and sweet; collect fallen fruit. In fall, renew mulch without covering the crown. During winter dormancy, remove weak, crossing, very old, or badly placed stems and retain an accessible, evenly distributed framework. Sanitize tools between plants. Watch for cat damage around the base and maintain a physical barrier while young stems remain vulnerable. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, accessible, productive vine. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, accessible, productive vine. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, accessible, productive vine. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, accessible, productive vine. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, accessible, productive vine. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
75 to 110 L (20 to 30 US gal) or larger, with drainage and a sturdy support
Container culture is possible but requires a very large pot, an independent support, and winter root protection. Use at least 75 to 110 L (20 to 30 US gal) with several drainage holes and a stable, fertile, aerated growing mix. Install a sturdy trellis before stems extend. Water frequently in summer without leaving water in a saucer. For fruit, a compatible male must bloom nearby and can grow in another container. Prune during dormancy to keep the framework proportionate to the support. In very cold regions, insulate the pot walls, shelter it from wind, and reduce freeze-thaw cycles. A container limits vigour and harvest more than in-ground culture, so monitor moisture and nutrition carefully.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
5 to 6 m (16 to 20 feet)
Width / spread
3 m (10 feet)
Flower color
Ivory-white to greenish white
Foliage color
Glossy green, sometimes bronze at budbreak
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Climbing, twining, dense, and vigorous
Fragrance
Light floral fragrance
Bloom period
Clusters of small fragrant ivory-white flowers appear from May to June. Anna is female and must bloom at the same time as a compatible male hardy kiwi, such as Andrew, to produce fruit. Bees and other insects move pollen between vines. Late frost can injure tender shoots, buds, and flowers even though the dormant plant is cold hardy. Choose a protected site, avoid insecticides while flowers are open, and keep both plants close enough for pollinators to visit them easily.
Fruiting
Oval green berries may develop a reddish blush and measure approximately 3.5 × 2.5 cm (1.5 × 1 in). Smooth edible skin surrounds sweet-tart fruit with a tropical flavour often compared with pineapple. The crop ripens in late summer or early fall, often during September depending on climate. Anna is female, so a compatible male hardy kiwi such as Andrew must flower nearby. Pick when berries begin to soften and become aromatic. If frost is forecast, slightly firm fruit can be harvested and allowed to finish ripening indoors.
Harvest
Late summer to early fall, often September; harvest as berries begin to soften
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Anna with a compatible male hardy kiwi, such as Andrew, because its flowers provide the pollen required for fruiting. Place both vines close enough for bees to visit their blooms at the same time. Low plants suited to evenly moist soil, including chives, selected strawberries, hardy geraniums, or sedges, can edge the trellis while leaving the crown clear. Avoid large competing climbers that complicate pruning, airflow, inspection, and harvest. Preserve clear access along both sides of the support. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly.
Plants to avoid
Avoid prolonged drought, stagnant water, strongly alkaline soil, late-frost pockets, and undersized supports. Cats may chew young stems or dig around roots because Actinidia strongly attracts them; use a physical barrier without constricting the crown. Also watch for tangled stems, breakage under their weight, and growth entering gutters or trees. Regular pruning and a durable trellis prevent most structural problems. The species generally has few serious insect or disease concerns. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, accessible, productive vine.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Ripe smooth berries with their skin; sweet-tart green flesh and edible small seeds
To make hardy kiwi compote, use 500 g (1.1 lb) ripe, rinsed Anna berries, 30 ml (2 tbsp) water, 15 to 30 ml (1 to 2 tbsp) maple syrup, and 5 ml (1 tsp) lemon juice. Cut the smooth-skinned fruit in half without peeling it. Place berries and water in a saucepan and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Crush lightly, add maple syrup and lemon juice, then cook for another 5 to 8 minutes until the desired texture develops. Cool before serving over yogurt, oatmeal, or toast. This recipe makes approximately four servings. Refrigerate in a clean covered container and use within four days. For a finer texture, blend the cooked mixture briefly after it has cooled slightly.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Does Anna hardy kiwi need a pollinator?
Yes. Anna, also called Ananasnaya, is female and must receive pollen from a compatible male hardy kiwi to produce fruit. Andrew or Andrey is commonly sold as a pollinizer for this cultivar. Place both vines in the same garden, close enough for bees to visit their flowers, and confirm that bloom overlaps from May to June. One male can generally pollinate several female vines. If Anna flowers without setting fruit, first check the presence and health of the male, late-frost damage, and pollinator activity before changing fertilizer. Excessive nitrogen can also favour leafy growth over flowers. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly.
When should Anna hardy kiwi be harvested?
Harvest the berries in late summer or early fall, often during September depending on seasonal warmth. Do not rely only on green colour or a reddish blush; taste several fruit and press them gently. They are ready when they begin to soften and develop a sweet-tart tropical flavour. Pick carefully so short fruiting stems are not torn away. If frost is forecast before full maturity, collect still-firm berries and allow them to finish ripening indoors. Refrigerate ripe fruit promptly and eat it with its smooth skin or prepare compote and preserves. Check the vine repeatedly because individual berries may ripen at different times.
How should Anna hardy kiwi be pruned?
Prune mainly during winter dormancy so the framework is visible and excessive sap bleeding is reduced. Retain several well-spaced main stems across the trellis, then remove dead, weak, very old, crossing growth or stems entering gutters and trees. After flowering, shorten overly long shoots lightly when they block access, without removing all fruiting wood. Regular pruning is preferable to severe renovation of a neglected vine. Use clean tools, secure stems with flexible ties, and leave enough space for air to circulate between foliage and the support. Inspect ties yearly so they do not constrict thickening woody stems. For best results, inspect moisture, stems, and growth regularly.
Can Anna be grown in a container?
Yes, but this vigorous vine requires a container holding at least 75 to 110 L (20 to 30 US gal), a very strong independent trellis, and frequent moisture checks. Use fertile, well-drained growing mix and water when the upper layer begins to dry. A compatible male must also bloom nearby for fruit. Prune every winter to keep the framework proportionate to the support. In Zone 4, roots in a pot are far more exposed to cold than roots in the ground, so insulate the container, shelter it from wind, and reduce repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Container-grown vines usually produce less growth and fruit.
Why should this vine be protected from cats?
Cats can be strongly attracted to stems and roots of Actinidia arguta, in a way comparable to their response to catnip. They may chew young shoots, rub against the plant, or dig around the crown, quickly damaging a newly planted vine. Install a wire guard or small barrier that allows air and water to pass without constricting stems. Keep the crown visible and check regularly that protection does not girdle new growth. This attraction does not mean the fruit is toxic: ripe berries are edible for people. Protection is intended mainly to prevent mechanical damage while stems are young and vulnerable.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Attracts birds
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Small white flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees and other insect pollinators. Ripe berries may also attract birds. To preserve a harvest, use securely fitted netting that cannot trap wildlife and pick regularly. Cats are strongly attracted to young stems and should be prevented from damaging them. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides while flowers are open and bees are active.