How to Grow Akebia quinata Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Chocolate Vine

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.

Its dangling chocolate-purple blooms have three petals that appear in early spring on deciduous vines.

These vines grow quickly and reach 20-40 feet (6 to 12 m) in length.

Akebia quinata produces glossy dark green oval-shaped leaves that grow in clusters of five.

Plants have attractive blooms that carry a light chocolate scent.

Chocolate vine
Akebia quinata photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking.

The aromatic flowers are replaced by four inch (10 cm) fruit pods containing small black seeds that drop in the autumn / fall.

The fruit contains a soft white pulp similar to white dragon fruit, a Japanese delicacy. The slightly bitter rind has culinary use and can be used as a deep-fried or stuffed vegetable.

This vigorous vine will cover fences and trellises and can climb walls.

It also makes a great ground cover and will easily camouflage unsightly areas, as well as help prevent soil erosion on banks and slopes.

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Chocolate Vine

Chocolate vine is easy to grow in well-drained, sandy loam that has regular moisture.

Plant in full sun to partial shade.

Hardy in Zones 4-8, this amazing vine may grow as much as 20 feet (6 m) per year.

If pruning is required, it should be done late in spring after flowers have bloomed.

Propagate using cuttings at least six inches (15 cm) long from new spring growth. Place the Chocolate vine cuttings in compost or planting medium in a warm, humid location until they root.

To propagate Akebia quinata from seeds, wait until the pods are ripe and sow the seeds in a greenhouse environment.

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: Lardizabalaceae.
Closely Related Species: Decaisnea, Stauntonia.
Miscellaneous: Non-native to North America, Locally invasive, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers / blooms
Genus Detail: Akebia
Further Reading and References: Here and Here

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Akebia quinata. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Cardiospermum and Cinnamon Vine.