Akebiais a enceinte deciduousperennial vinethat can be grow in either sunshine or nicety . In fact , it ’s one of the few perennial vine you may enjoy in a shade or timberland garden . In leaping , this industrial plant shows off delicate violet or ashen flower that smell of cocoa . As enticing as that scent may be , it ’s the plushy foliage that really makes this vine deserving growing . The blue - green leaf are divided into folder , adding a wonderfully mild texture as the vine scales walls , pergolas , and other construction .
Give akebia asturdy support — it grows large and threatening at maturity and may crush lowly structures . If springtime blossom are cross-pollinate , akebia may produce edible , sausage balloon - shape fruits . The vine usually needs a different variety establish nearby to grow yield . Though edible , the fruit is not peculiarly tasty .
Where to Plant Akebia
Because akebia grows fast when happy , it is ideal for creating aliving privacy screenland , block up a view , disguising an eyesore , or make a plush green bulwark . Be certain to plant it where you ’ll be able-bodied to see — and reek — the spring blossoms up near . Even without flowers , akebia makes a great works for the back of the place . Its all right grain fades into the distance and can help even small spaces feel larger . The vine will skin over the earth but if you want it to go up , you will require to allow a uncompromising support such as a fence , trellis , or pergola .
Because it is a large , fast - growing vine , akebia is well planted on its own , rather than with other vines . If you want to produce yield , however , you will need another vine to improve chances for pollination .
Akebia has shown some incursive tendencies and has the potential to choke out aboriginal species in wild areas . It is turn over invasive in sealed land , including Michigan , Pennsylvania , Maryland , Virginia , New Jersey , West Virginia , Kentucky , Tennessee , North Carolina , South Carolina , and Georgia . Check local restrictions before plant it .
How and When to Plant Akebia
Plant akebia in the fountain after all risk of frost has passed . Potted specimen demand a planting hole roughly twice the size of it of their root ball , planted at the same depth as it is in the sight , a deep lachrymation at planting time , and regular watering intervals as the antecedent take hold .
If you ’re embed more than one vine , give them a lot of space to grow . Allow at least 20 feet between plants .
Akebia Care Tips
Light
Grow akebia infull sunor morning sun with afternoon shade for best growth and flowering . When seat in full shade , this vine get more tardily and blossom less than it would in full sunshine . In plus , the foliage does n’t get as dumb .
Soil and Water
Akebia likes moist , well - drained soil that ’s ample in constituent matter . It does n’t do by drought well , so keep it in a place where you ’ll be able to put up irrigation during periods of hot , juiceless weather . The vine is happy with about an inch of water a week . As with most plants , providing a 3- to 4 - column inch - deeplayer of mulch over the soilaround the roots helps the grime stay moist longer in hot , dry weather . The mulch also crush weeds .
Temperature and Humidity
Akebia thrives in a temperature range of 55 to 86 ℉ and will digest some humidness . The plant lose its leaf in freezing winter weather but will spring up them back in the spring .
Fertilizer
Akebia vine gets along just o.k. without much intervention . When planting in pitiful stain , supply some compostto the backfill and then top dress with compost each bounce if you want to give the plant a boost . Since it ’s such a rampant grower , though , it is n’t a necessary step .
Pruning
A fast - grow vine that needs support , akebia responds well to pruning . In fact , you may cut it back significantly in winter if it grows out of bounds . Prune it less intemperately in late spring after it ’s finished bloom if you want to bask more blossom the next year .
Potting and Repotting Akebia
While you’re able to technically grow akebia in a container , it ’s not an ideal candidate due to it ’s vigorous and fast rate of maturation . It can strain up to 40 feet in one season and requires a lot of space to spread out out or a tall support to climb .
Pests and Problems
Akebia does n’t have any serious pest or disease way out , which is part responsible for itsinvasive leaning . Its biggest issue is a tendency to take over wherever it grows .
How to Propagate Akebia
disperse akebia viacuttings . cut back about 6 inches from novel spring emergence on an establish vine and foray the leaves from the bottom half . Fill pots with moist potting mix and set the snipped stem , trim down side down , into the mix . tauten the soil around the press clipping and pose it in a warm and humid patch for a duo of weeks . After about 3 weeks , check to see if roots are forming by softly tugging on the flora . If you feel impedance , the industrial plant is root . Move cutting off to a warm , brilliant location to continue rise .
cutting can be transplanted outdoors when they reach a inflexible size . For a smoother transition , inure your seedlings offby placing them outside for a few hours a day ( for 5 to 7 days ) and increase the external exposure a piffling more each day . select a lasting spot for planting your cuttings because akebia does n’t like to have its ascendent vex .
Types of Akebia
‘Alba’ Akebia
Akebia quinata’Alba ' has green , manus - flesh foliage disunite into five leaflets along with little , lily-white spring flowers . This eccentric of akebia limbs up to 30 foot . zona 5 - 8
‘Purple Bouquet’ Akebia
modest maroon to purple flowers coverAkebia quinata‘Purple Bouquet ’ vine in spring with a light fragrance . New foliage also carries a purple tinge . It rise to a slightly smaller 30 foot . Zones 5 - 9
‘Variegata’ Akebia
Akebia quinata ' Variegata ' offers dark-green leaves splash liberally with cream , bring home the bacon an eye - catching backdrop to the violet - violent blooms . It arise to 12 feet high . Zones 6 - 10
Frequently Asked Questions
If you ’re looking for a aboriginal efflorescence vine that ’s more doable and smaller at maturity than akebia , tryClematis virginiana , Passiflora embody , orGelsemium sempervirens .
Yes , the eggplant - like fruit is edible , in fact , it ’s believe a daintiness in Asia . The flavour has been likened to that of a melon vine but the slimy texture is off - set for many people .
The nectar of akebia flower is abundant and attractive to hummingbird . The Chuck Berry are often use up by bird .
Chocolate Vine . Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States .
