Akebia quinata
Five leaf aralia, Fiveleaf akebia
- Height × spread
- 10m × 5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The pendulous, pinkish purple, vanilla scented (though some say spicy scented) flowers look rather curious amidst the lush foliage of this climber. It has bright, light green leaves, composed of five, separate little leaflets. There are sometimes sausage-shaped strings of fruit in late summer, coloured grey-purple and opening on one side to reveal white seeds within. To obtain fruits it is necessary to grow two plants from different clones in close proximity and hand pollination may be necessary. <I>Akebia quinata</I> could be used to grow over rustic structures, to train into trees or to grow on a south or west-facing wall. It resents disturbance and once planted, is best left where it is.
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Purple, White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-spicy
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 10m
- Spread
- 5m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Prune after flowering
Remove any dead or damaged branches, or any growth that looks very untidy. Trim the plant back if necessary to keep it within bounds.