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Akebia quinata

Chocolate vine

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does flower in March

Plant does flower in April

Plant does flower in May

Plant does not flower in June

Plant does not flower in July

Plant does not flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

  • Botanical name: Akebia quinata
  • Common name: Chocolate vine
  • Family: Lardizabalaceae
  • Plant Type: Climber
Flower colour:

Purple

Foliage colour:

Green

Akebia quinata is an unusual climber, best grown in 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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Grow Akebia quinata in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, ideally with some shelter provided. Alternatively grow it in a conservatory or greenhouse.

How to grow Akebia quinata

  • Plant size

    10m height

    5m spread

  • Aspect

    North facing, east facing, south facing, west facing

  • Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade
  • Hardiness: Tender
  • Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy

Plant calendar

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant
Plant

Do not Plant in January

Do not Plant in February

Do not Plant in March

Do not Plant in April

Do Plant in May

Do Plant in June

Do not Plant in July

Do not Plant in August

Do not Plant in September

Do not Plant in October

Do not Plant in November

Do not Plant in December

Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does flower in March

Plant does flower in April

Plant does flower in May

Plant does not flower in June

Plant does not flower in July

Plant does not flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

Akebia quinata and wildlife

Akebia quinata has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Akebia quinata poisonous?

Akebia quinata has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

No reported toxicity to Birds

No reported toxicity to Cats

No reported toxicity to Dogs

No reported toxicity to Horses

No reported toxicity to Livestock

No reported toxicity to People

Plants that go well with Akebia quinata