Akebia plant is a genus of flowering plant in the Lardizabalaceae family. It is ideally suited for isolated garden trellises, seating areas or covering pavilions. It can also be used as a groundcover for exposed banks but a mowing edge should be maintained on all sides to control the limits of its spread.
Akebia plant is a genus of flowering plant in the Lardizabalaceae family. It is ideally suited for isolated garden trellises, seating areas or covering pavilions. It can also be used as a groundcover for exposed banks but a mowing edge should be maintained on all sides to control the limits of its spread.
IDENTIFY AKEBIA PLANT
Akebia is native to Eastern China, Japan and Korea where it typically grows on mountainous slopes and at the forest edge. Akebia quinata and Akebia trifoliata are the most economically important species of this genus. They are widespread in the mountain ranges of 19 provinces in China. Akebia quinata is also adapted to subtropical areas, from sea level to low altitudes (usually 300 to 1500 m) in southeast coastal provinces. Akebia trifoliata has a wider geographic distribution ranging from the subtropical to temperate regions, and larger vertical distribution ranging from an elevation of 300 m to 2500 m. Akebia trifoliata is the most widely distributed species in Akebia, mainly occurring south of the Yellow River.
This plant is usually listed as growing to 30 feet with long, relatively narrow, right-twining vines that produce alternately arranged palmately compound leaves with five ovate leaflets to 2 inches long. In mild winters it is semi-evergreen but mostly deciduous in colder areas or harsh winters.
The unusual maroon flowers appear in early spring in panicles just after new leaves emerge. The flowers lack true petals but the sepals are petal-like with individual blossoms to 1.5 inches across for female flowers and about half that for the more numerous male flowers. They have a vanilla scent that sometimes give rise to the common name “chocolate vine.” The fleshy fruit are seldom seen in cultivation unless cross-pollinated by a different clone but are sausage-shaped, purplish in color and edible.
AKEBIA CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Akebia plant prefers a partially shaded spot in the garden. Although the plant will grow in full sun, it does best with protection from the afternoon heat.
Temperature:
This plant grows well in zones 4-8 and can survive the temperature of -10 ⁰F. They do best in temperatures between 55 to 85 ⁰F. In the harsh winter weather, it may lose its leaves but will regrow in the spring.
Substrate and growing media:
Akebia plant is easily grown in most soils but do best in well-drained sandy loams with a high percentage of organic matter, but resents root disturbance.
It is best used where it can be allowed to climb a strong structure alone; placement near pedestrian traffic will allow appreciation of the more subtle effects of flowers and fruit when they occur.
Watering:
Water deeply when the soil has completely dried out. This plant can survive a light drought. The main mistake people make when trying to grow Akebia quinata is over-watering it.
Fertilizer:
Although it’s not really necessary, you can use an all purpose fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy plants and many blooms.
Pruning:
To keep the plant from getting too large, simply prune it back once or twice a year to keep it the size you want it. When the flowers are developing in the early spring, they are often hidden by the large palmate leaves. This would be an ideal time to prune your plant so that you get more enjoyment out of the delicate and potent flowers.
Propagation:
Akebia plant are easily propagated by semi ripe cuttings in summer but tendrils of new growth from the base of the plant can readily be layered as well.
The plants can also be propagated by seeds. Best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15 °C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
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