What's eating my actinidia kolomikta?

Kolomikta kiwi vine is famously attractive to cats, which may roll on and shred young plants. Pest-wise, woolly vine scale and aphids are the main culprits; deer and rabbits browse young shoots in gardens. The vine is generally hardy but cats can destroy juvenile plants before they establish.

Young shoots and stems crushed, chewed, and shredded — the plant emits actinidine, a cat attractant. Established plants usually recover; seedlings may not. Protect young plants with wire mesh or a physical cage for the first 2–3 years until bark hardens and is less fragrant.

White fluffy egg masses along stems in early summer; honeydew and sooty mould; weakened stems and reduced vigour. Apply horticultural oil spray in late winter to smother overwintering scales; scrub visible masses off with a stiff brush; systemic insecticide for severe infestations.

Colonies on new shoot tips in spring; sticky honeydew; mild leaf curl on the most tender growth. Insecticidal soap spray; encourage ladybirds and hoverflies; rarely severe enough to cause lasting damage on established vines.