
Plant details
- Common Name: Chocolate vine
- Genus: Akebia
- Species: quinata
- Skill Level: experienced
- Exposure: full sun, partial shade
- Hardiness: tender
- Soil type: dry, well-drained/light
- Height: 10m
- Spread: 5m
An unusual climber, best grown in for warmer gardens since the flowers are prone to damage from late frosts. The maroon-chocolate flowers look almost artificial, with three thick, waxy 'petals' forming an inverted cup shape. These are clustered along the stems and have an exotic spicy fragrance with a hint of vanilla. They stand out against a background of light purple, three-lobed leaves, most colourful in full sun. In mild conditions the leaves last all winter but in cold areas expect them to be shed. After a particularly warm summer, large sausage-shaped fruit dangle enticingly from the stems.
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