Overview
Akebia quinata is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Akebia, part of the Lardizabalaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 8-12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Akebia quinata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include wall side borders. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan and Korea.
About
Akebia quinata –commonly known as akebi (木通), chocolate vine, five-leaf chocolate vine, or five-leaf akebia– is a vine that is native to Japan, China and Korea, commonly used as an ornamental or edible plant in the United States and Europe. In its native habitat, it is often found on hills, in hedges, on trees, along forest edges and streams, and on mountainous slopes. Mature plants reach roughly 8-12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Akebia quinata
About the genus
Akebia is a genus of five species of flowering plant, within the family Lardizabalaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Akebia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Akebia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Akebia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Akebia quinata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Wall side borders
- Native to
- China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Korea
- Fragrance
- Fragrant flowers with a chocolate-like scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Akebia quinata
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types; benefits from regular watering during dry periods; can be grown on trellises or walls for support
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to control growth and shape; remove dead or weak stems to encourage healthy growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Layering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Akebia quinata?
Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types; benefits from regular watering during dry periods; can be grown on trellises or walls for support.
Where is the best place to plant Akebia quinata?
Akebia quinata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Akebia quinata need?
Akebia quinata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Akebia quinata?
Prune after flowering to control growth and shape; remove dead or weak stems to encourage healthy growth.
How big does Akebia quinata grow?
Akebia quinata reaches a height of 8-12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Akebia quinata hardy in the UK?
Akebia quinata has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Akebia quinata?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Layering.