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Akebia quinata

Also Known As

Chocolate Vine
Fiveleaf Akebia

Plant type

perennial, vine

size

H: 20'-40'
W: 1'-40'

planting zones

5a-10b

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Akebia quinata plant details

Akebia quinata is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous perennial vine with green foliage. In spring purple flowers emerge followed by purple fruit. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Akebia quinata

Plant type: perennial vine
Plant family: lardizabalaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 40 FT - wide, 20 FT - 40 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant, trellis, twining

GROWING CONDITIONS for Akebia quinata

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Racemes of fragrant red-purple flowers in spring are followed by 3" sausage shaped fruits on a large (20-30') vine with handsome 5-?fingered? foliage; ?sure to excite comment? (K. Beckett). S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Akebia quinata, commonly known as chocolate vine or five-leaf akebia, is a vine that is native to Japan, China and Korea. Chocolate vine quickly grows to 30 ft or more in length and is semi-deciduous, losing its leaves only in areas where temperatures reliably fall below 15 degrees. This plant’s namesake comes from the chocolate-scented, pendulous flowers which occur in spring. Flowers eventually yield an edible fruit which has the unique character of splitting open when ripe along a seam, revealing the sweet gelatinous pulp and seeds. While we can’t attest to the flavor, supposedly the skin of the fruit is also eaten as a vegetable in Japan, included in fried dishes. Note that Akebia vines are not self-fruitful and require a pollinator, but are cross compatible with other Akebia species including Akebia pentaphylla and Akebia trifoliata. Cold hardy to USDA zone 6a and above, or to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

By: Wanderlust Nursery

Burgundy colored flowers bloom from April-May. Fruits are flat, purple pods. 5 rounded leaflets make up the leaves.

By: Garden World

Our is either going to hold our old barn up or bring it down. Right now it's about a 50-50 toss up. A huge vine if you've got the space for it.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

A decorative, twining climber with attractive leaves and flowers. The leaves are divided into five leaflets. The flowers appear in clusters of purple and mauve and smell like chocolate.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Five-leaf Akebia is an evergreen (deciduous in the north) twining vine with chocolate colored flowers in early summer. Extremely tough and adaptable to most conditions. 10?+ in ten years. Awards: Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Recommended by: the United States National Arboretum.