Akebia quinata

Chocolate vine

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Key info

Plant type

Deciduous climber

Flower colour

Purple

Feature

Flowers, Fruit

Hardiness

Tender

Skill level

Experienced

photo by Neil Holmes, copyright GAP Photos (25085)

Plant details

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.

Family: Lardizabalaceae

Genus: Akebia

Species: quinata

Plant type: Deciduous climber

Flower colour: Purple

Foliage colour: Mid-green

Feature: Flowers, Fruit

Sun exposure: Full sun, Partial shade

Soil: Well-drained/light, Dry

Hardiness: Tender

Skill level: Experienced

Height: 1000cm

Spread: 500cm


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