Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa is the kiwifruit of supermarkets and greengrocers, a deciduous woody vine native to China that reaches fifteen to thirty feet when properly trained. Its varietal name is unpretentious in its honesty. The foliage is bold, with silvery-gray undertones on the undersides of the large leaves, and the cream-colored spring flowers arrive quietly before the vine's real ambitions become apparent. Full sun and well-drained soil are essential; some shade is tolerated but reduces fruit volume. Young spring growth is frost-tender, and unharvested fruit can be damaged by early autumn freezes, so timing and site selection matter considerably.

As a dioecious plant, both a male and a female must be present for fruiting. Neither will move gracefully once established, so choose the site carefully and commit to it. Train the vine to a single straight trunk with one leader on each side, and provide a trellis robust enough for a mature fruiting specimen, which carries substantial weight. Protect from strong winds. The fruit contains actinidin, an enzyme that can irritate the throat in sensitive individuals. Cultivar selection is extensive in its native range, though fewer varieties reach the US market. This is a vine for the dedicated edible gardener rather than the casual planter.