Akebia

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Vigorous vine with fragrant (lowers; for shade, screening, or privacy
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall
TYPE OF VINE: Semi-evergreen perennial; climbs by twining
FAVORITES: Two species: Five-leaf akebia (A. quinata) and A. trifoliate
QUIRKS: Plants resent root disturbance and will not grow well if transplanted
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Grow as a background for perennials or annuals
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Widely adaptable to soils and sites with sun to partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Will outgrow a small, confined space
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; prune to the ground in late winter to rejuvenate
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: To 30 ft (9.1 m) long

Akebia in the Landscape

Vigorous enough to scramble up walls, fences, pergolas, and other large structures, akebia is a twining perennial vine that's in a hurry. Also known as chocolate vine, this plant is one of a large number of climbers that ascend by coiling their stems around a porch column, fence post, trellis, or any vertical support. Akebia s rampant growth makes it useful for screening out an unattractive view, concealing compost heaps or trash cans, covering a blank wall or fence, and even for creating shade on a terrace. Akebias can climb to 30 ft (9.1 m) or more, but they are also content to weave themselves over a low fence or tree stump, building up multiple layers to form a thick, lush mound of foliage.

Of Foliage and Flowers

Handsome, thick foliage is the main reason to grow this vine. Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinaia) has leaf clusters with 5 leaflets, each one rounded, light green, and 2 in (5.1 cm) long. A trifoliata is similar, but the leaflets are in clusters of 3 and can reach 4 in (10.2 cm) long. When viewed from the distance, the vine gives the overall effect of a soft, finely textured curtain. And because five-leaf akebia performs as an evergreen or semi evergreen in Zone 8 and protected niches of Zone 7, gardeners in these climates can enjoy the foliage nearly year-round.

In spring akebias produce attractive drooping clusters of flowers, which release a faint vanilla scent, especially at night. The buds dangle like little lavender cherries, then open into male and female flowers on the same stem. The larger, reddish or purplish brown flowers at the base are female, while the pale purple ones that hang from the tips are male. If pollinated, akebia may produce 3 in (7.6 cm) long grayish purple fruits that split open to reveal black seeds. But fruit production is uncommon outside of the plant's homelands of Japan. China, and Korea.

Growing Akebia

Akebias are remarkably unfussy. While they prefer fertile, moist, well-drained soil, they do just as well in average soil. While they need sun, they can also tolerate partial shade. The only thing akebias resent is having their roots disturbed. So select a permanent site carefully and leave the vine alone once it has been planted.

Set out container-grown plants in either spring or fall, allowing at least 6-8 weeks for the new plants to settle in before the onset of extreme summer heat or winter cold. In Zones 4-6, young plants need protection to survive their first winter. Spread a 4 in (10.2 cm) deep layer of a fluffy mulch, such as dried leaves or evergreen boughs, over the root zone after the first hard freeze in fall.

Young stems may need help to start twining. Let them grow a little and watch their natural habit to see if they coil clockwise or counterclockwise. Then tie the stems loosely to the support with soft green twine or yarn following their inclination. If the stems can't yet reach the support, place bamboo stakes around the plant that reach the base of the support. Tie the stems onto the stakes, and they'll soon start climbing up to the support.

Established plants often need to be pruned back to control their wandering tendencies. Pruning may be done at any time of the year, although early summer, after the flowers fade, is the preferred time. Prune only as needed to control the size of the vine and to train it so that it will expand into places where you want it to grow. In mild climates, a plant that has grown out of control can be reined in if you cut it back to the ground in late winter or in early spring.

Akebia has no serious insect pests, is untroubled by diseases, and needs fertilizer only in poor soils. If foliage becomes sparse and turns light green, it's time to apply an all-purpose controlled-release commercial fertilizer according to label directions.