Akebiais a large deciduousperennial vinethat can be grown in either sun or shade.
In spring, this plant shows off delicate purple or white flowers that smell of chocolate.
Give akebia asturdy supportit grows large and heavy at maturity and may crush small structures.
If springtime flowers are pollinated, akebia may produce edible, sausage-shape fruits.
The vine usually needs a different variety planted nearby to produce fruit.
Though edible, the fruit is not particularly tasty.
Be sure to plant it where you’ll be able to seeand smellthe springtime blossoms up close.
Even without flowers, akebia makes a great plant for the back of the property.
Its fine texture fades into the distance and can help even small spaces feel larger.
If you want to produce fruit, however, you will need another vine to improve chances for pollination.
Akebia has shown some invasive tendencies and has the potential to choke out native species in wild areas.
If you’re planting more than one vine, give them a lot of space to grow.
Allow at least 20 feet between plants.
In addition, the foliage doesn’t get as dense.
Soil and Water
Akebia likes moist, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.
The vine is happiest with about an inch of water a week.
The mulch also suppresses weeds.
The plant loses its leaves in freezing winter weather but will grow them back in the spring.
Fertilizer
Akebia vine gets along just fine without much intervention.
Since it’s such a rampant grower, though, it isn’t a necessary step.
Pruning
A fast-growing vine that needs support, akebia responds well to pruning.
Its biggest issue is a tendency to take over wherever it grows.
How to Propagate Akebia
Propagate akebia viacuttings.
Fill pots with moist potting mix and place the snipped stem, cut side down, into the mix.
After about 3 weeks, check to see if roots are forming by gently tugging on the plant.
If you feel resistance, the plant is rooting.
Move cuttings to a warm, bright location to continue growing.
Cuttings can be transplanted outdoors when they reach a sturdy size.
Choose a permanent spot for planting your cuttings because akebia doesn’t like to have its roots disturbed.
This throw in of akebia limbs up to 30 feet.
New foliage also carries a purple tinge.
It grows to a slightly smaller 30 feet.
It grows to 12 feet high.
Yes, the eggplant-like fruit is edible, in fact, it’s considered a delicacy in Asia.
The flavor has been likened to that of a melon but the slimy texture is off-putting for many people.
The nectar of akebia flowers is abundant and attractive to hummingbirds.
The berries are often eaten by birds.
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
