Akebia quinata
chocolate vine
- Position: sun or partial shade
- Soil: moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: March to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A very pretty climber, this has beautiful maroon-chocolate flowers which have an exotic spicy fragrance with a hint of vanilla, and appear in spring. They stand out against the bright green, three-lobed leaves, which have a purple tinge in winter. This unusual semi-evergreen climber is excellent for training against walls or up a pergola, and in a warm summer, large sausage-shaped fruit can form. - Garden care: Prune back after flowering where necessary.
- Eventual Height: 10m
- Eventual Spread: 2m