Akebia spp.

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Akebia spp. is a small genus of about five twining, woody vines in the family Lardizabalaceae, native to the woodlands and thickets of China, Japan, and Korea. Stems climb by twining and reach 6-12 m (20-40 ft), deciduous in cold regions and semi-evergreen where winters stay mild. The palmately compound leaves carry three or five rounded leaflets 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 in) long on slender stalks. In spring the plants bear hanging racemes with flowers of two sizes: small purple-brown male flowers near the tip and larger, darker female flowers toward the base, both scented of spice and chocolate. Pollinated female flowers develop into sausage-shaped, purple-violet fruits 5-10 cm (2-4 in) long that split along one side to reveal white, seed-filled pulp. Akebia spp. grows quickly once established and twines densely over supports and neighbouring plants; in parts of North America A. quinata has escaped cultivation and is listed as invasive. Most species set little fruit from a single plant, since cross-pollination between two clones improves seed set.

Native Range

Native to East Asia, in China, Japan, and Korea, where the vines grow at woodland margins, in thickets, and along hedgerows.

Suggested Uses

Grown on pergolas, arbours, fences, and trellises for quick screening, and as a groundcover on banks. Where A. quinata is regulated as invasive, its planting is restricted and removal is recommended.

How to Identify

Recognized by twining woody stems bearing palmately compound leaves of three or five rounded leaflets 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 in) long. Spring racemes carry purple-brown flowers of two sizes, the larger female flowers below and smaller male flowers above, with a spicy scent. Sausage-shaped purple fruits 5-10 cm (2-4 in) long split open along one side.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height19'8" - 39'4"

Width/Spread9'10" - 19'8"

Colors

Flower Colors

purple

brown

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs in early to mid-spring as the new leaves expand. Each hanging raceme bears both small male and larger female flowers, purple to chocolate-brown and lightly scented. Fruit, where it forms, ripens from late summer into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most species grow in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soils across a wide pH range. Growth is rapid, and stems twine over trellises, fences, and shrubs, soon forming a dense tangle that needs a sturdy support. Plants tolerate drought once established and regrow strongly after hard cutting. A single clone rarely sets fruit, so two genetically different plants improve pollination. In mild-winter areas the foliage persists, while hard frost makes it deciduous.

Pruning

Cutting back after flowering controls the vine size and density and removes wayward stems. Plants tolerate hard renewal pruning to the main framework in late winter. Clearing stray stem fragments prevents rooting where they touch soil.