Pasha Arctic Beauty is a male cultivar of Actinidia kolomikta, the hardy kiwi vine, bred to thrive in cold climates where standard kiwis struggle. This variety grows vigorously in hardiness zones 3-8, making it one of the most cold-tolerant kiwis available for northern gardeners. As a male plant, it provides essential pollination for female vines and contributes ornamental value through its striking variegated foliage, leaves emerge green, then develop pink and white markings as the season progresses. Plant it in partial shade where it will climb and spread, creating a living screen that performs year after year without fussing.
Partial Shade
Moderate
3-8
?in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The foliage is genuinely stunning; leaves shift from solid green to splashed with pink and white throughout the growing season, offering ornamental interest that extends far beyond the typical vine. Bred specifically for cold hardiness, Pasha Arctic Beauty survives winters in zone 3, breaking the mold of tender kiwis. As a male pollinator, it serves a functional role in the kiwi patch while delivering the decorative bonus that makes it worth growing even in zones where female vines aren't practical. This is a plant that earns its space through dual purpose: pollination duty and year-round visual appeal.
Pasha Arctic Beauty is grown primarily as a male pollinator vine for female hardy kiwi plants, ensuring fruit set and harvest in cold-climate gardens. While male plants don't produce fruit themselves, they are essential partners in any kiwi planting scheme. Many northern gardeners also cultivate this variety for its ornamental value alone, valuing the dramatic foliage color shift that makes it an attractive structural element on trellises and arbors.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant established vines outdoors after the last frost date in your zone. Space plants 8-10 feet apart if training along a trellis or fence, as they grow vigorously and need room to develop. Harden off greenhouse-grown plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and backfill with amended soil; water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Prune Pasha Arctic Beauty in late winter or early spring while the plant is still dormant to encourage a strong framework and manage vigorous growth. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing canes first. Then selectively thin out older wood to promote new growth and better foliage development; the variegated leaves display most dramatically on younger shoots. Train the main stems horizontally along your trellis or support structure, as this encourages lateral branching and fuller coverage. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season, as hardy kiwi bleeds sap profusely and late-season cuts can stress the plant.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.