How to Grow Akebia quinata Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Chocolate Vine

How to Grow Chocolate vine in your Garden

Akebia quinta is a member of the Lardizabalaceae family of plants. It is commonly known as the Chocolate vine.

NOTE: This plant is considered invasive in many parts of the World. ONLY GROW IN THE GARDEN AFTER CHECKING THAT IT IS FINE TO DO SO IN YOUR AREA

This semi-evergreen climbing plant is native to Eastern Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. It carries cup shaped flowers of purple and its fruits are the same colour. Once planted do not disturb its roots.

Chocolate vine

Akebia quinata photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking.

Akebia quinata Growing and Care Guide

Scientific Name: Akebia quinata
Common Name: Chocolate vine
Growing Zone: USA: 4 to 8
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Vine

Plant Details

Plant Height (Inches): 240 to 480
Plant Spread (Inches): 240 to 480
Time of Bloom: spring
Flower Details: Purple, Red
Leaf Foliage: Green
Fruit:
Growth Form: Variable height, Variable spread

Ideal Growing Conditions

Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight
Rate of Growth: Quick
Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained
Soil Moisture: Moist

Caring Conditions

Care:
Level of Maintenance: Medium
Propagation: Seed, softwoodcuttings or layering
How to Prune: As a vigorous climber it is important to prune back flowers that occur on last years growth following flowering, while flowers on this years growth should be pruned towards the end of winter or in spring. Other than this no need to perform pruning except to keep plants tidy and confined.
Pests: Usually pest free
Diseases: Usually pest free

Further Information

Can Attract:
Tolerant of: Deer, Heavy Shade, Erosion
Best Garden Use: Arbor
Family:
Closely Related Species:
Miscellaneous: Non-native to North America, Locally invasive, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers / blooms
Genus Detail: Akebia
Further Reading and References: Here and Here