Akebia
Chocolate vine
- Height × spread
- 5m – 10m × 5m – 5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are seldom seen, but are garden-worthy climbers. They have three or five part lobed leaves which are pretty in their own right. They flower in spring when the charming flowers in shades of pink, purple and cream are borne, delighting all who see them. They can be grown on structures or allowed to scramble over shrubs or into trees. They do flower early and there is a risk of frost damage to the flowers, so a warm and sheltered position is advised.
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Purple, White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 5m – 10m
- Spread
- 5m – 5m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover
- 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.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
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.