Akebia Species, Chocolate Vine, Five-Leaf Akebia, Raisin Vine

On Feb 20, 2021, judetheobscure2 from London,
United Kingdom wrote:

I love my Akebia quinata.

It's situated in a planting hole in a patio, so under good control(!), on the north-east facing wall of my house in London/Kent UK.
It is thriving, producing abundant delicate maroon flowers every spring and retaining its leaves over winter, so providing all year round interest.

It's never needed watering or feeding but it does grow quickly which has been a bonus for me. I've had it about ten years and it needs a good clearing out of all the dead wood, which I'll be doing this week and cutting back somewhat.

But overall I highly recommend this climber for north and east facing walls with a degree of confinement.

On Aug 25, 2015, angelica101 from Stephens City, VA wrote:

This Akebia Vine vine was here when we bought the house. Wow, but I hate it! I have been three years trying to rid my back yard of it and have finally succeeded. It was absolutely killing a most beautiful Mock Orange shrub that was unfortunately growing along side of it. The vine literally stripped the Mock Orange of its leaves. I would only get a few of those sweet smelling orange blossoms. Finally, this year, I have a full bushy Mock Orange that is teeming with their little white delicious smelling flowers. You feel as if you are in heaven when it blooms in the spring. I will say that the Akebia did bloom and the blossoms did smell of chocolate. Too bad the two plants can't co-exist. Doesn't The fragrance of chocolate/orange remind you of Lady Godiva cream filled chocolates...o... read morer is it just me!

On Jun 1, 2014, jimmieP313 from West Goshen, PA wrote:

I just found my first patch (at least 2 acres) of akebia gone completely invasive in the woods at the Riverbend Environmental Center just outside of Philadelphia. It is way worse than kudzu. Never plant this vine! If you have it, pull it out! It has found its way to the top of tall trees and completely overrun everything on the ground.

On Jun 19, 2013, AlexBram from Portland, OR wrote:

Portland, OR, zone 8b.

Three years ago, I planted five varieties of akebia quinata, and three varieties of akebia trifoliata, all fairly near each other (the farthest are 50 ft apart) for cross pollination. My source for all was onegreenworld.com.

The first year, they grew, but had no flowers.
The second year, they flowered, but bore no fruit.
This year, about half are fruiting (in late June, fruit are 1-3 inches long).

I've trained them all upwards on bamboo, and while some require weekly pruning of high growth, none have sent runners along the ground. They've required no effort to restrain spreading in 8b.

In my experience, they LOVE growing upwards, but will at best grudgingly grow over a horizontal rail. Many hor... read moreizontal vines just peter out within five feet.

Quinata have been evergreen, but trifoliata have lost all leaves in winter. (When I received them in pots, they wintered outside, and froze solid; none perished.)

Many are planted below a North facing wall, and get absolutely no direct sunlight. The quinata do well here, but do get mild powdery mildew. (One quinata is by a West facing wall, and the main vines grew to the width of my finger in one full year, but the vertical and horizontal growth has been good, but not great; minimal pruning only.)

They bloom early (early March) and for a long time (six weeks).
"Silver Bells" (white bloomed quinata) produce beautiful bunches of small (3/8 inch), cup shaped flowers, and draw many admirers.

Bees don't seem to prefer them. I've read they're from Japan; I wonder what their main pollinator is there?

On May 19, 2013, Dean48089 from Warren, MI (Zone 6b) wrote:

Whomever said that this vine grows "4-6 feet" has either never actually grown this plant or they are referring to how fast it grows per day. The ONLY good thing about this plant is that the seeds do not readily grow -- otherwise it should be on the invasive species list. Akebia quinata will easily grow 20-30 feet, in all directions, in only a few years. Besides the main vine, it sends out runners along the ground which quickly take root so that even when you kill the main stump (you will want to, just wait) the runners have already rooted and are taking over your trees, shrubs, fence, neighbor's garage, etc. And whomever said that the flowers smell like chocolate must have been eating a Hershey bar at the time. A nasty, horrible plant that I regret ever having planted.

On Sep 24, 2012, chatin from Redding, CA wrote:

I just purchased my first plant. I'm not opposed to invasive wild vines. I am curious to know why it's called a chocolate vine as nobody has mentioned the scent.

On Jul 7, 2012, urbanimage5 from Chicago, IL (Zone 6a) wrote:

I planted an akebia vine 4 years ago in a partial sun spot, because I wanted to cover an ugly railing. It's been a very aggressive grower and has done very well for its intended purpose. I keep it in check by pruning it regularly and watering very little. If I left it untrimmed, it would easily go past 8 feet tall. I would not recommend it for someone who wants a tidy, low maintenance plant.

The blooms have a lovely scent in May, similar to lilac. They bloom around the same time. I've had no problems with seed pods.

Last winter was extremely mild, and it kept most of its leaves. In a normal Chicago winter, the leaves drop when the daytime low gets below 15F a few days in a row. It's extremely hardy with very little dieback in our climate.

On May 7, 2011, MonicaMary from Naugatuck, CT wrote:

I have been growing this plant in three different locations in CT for the last 30 years, and I love it. It needs two different varities to produce fruit and seeds.
If left in a wild area, it can spread and take down dead trees, rotting barns, and sleeping dogs. It will behave nicely in a garden as long as you remove the vines that run across the ground since they start new plants by putting down roots anywhere there are clusters of leaves.

On Nov 20, 2010, benno1 from Ridgefield, CT wrote:

I came open this plant in the middle of a forested area in my town's open space land. It was completely covering a 150 by 150 foot area. It carpeted the floor and was vining up the trees. It is the most scary invasive I have ever seen except for maybe stilt grass. Mile a minute is not yet in my town but this certainly compares. It had not spread from a contiguous site. As i said, it was in the middle of the woods. Please alert others who seem to think this is a good plant. It should immediately be put on the "do not sell" lists.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana from Half Moon Bay, CA wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Jul 9, 2010, rana wrote:

I love this plant. I positioned it at the edge of my deck, 12 feet from the side of the house. Originally I wanted it to cover the deck railing, but it surprised me by coming up between the deck and the house, where it has climbed the wall and given that side of the house the vine-covered cottage look. It does not have invasive tendrils, it simply twines around the wires that I made available instead of crawling into cracks in the siding. A yearly check-up and pruning keeps it tame.

It took me a few years to notice the blooms, which come pretty early in this part of California. Mine has never set fruit. I do not consciously water the plant during our dry summers--it only receives moisture from fog and watering of some nearby plants. I try to keep this part of my garden fairl... read morey dry because of the native oak trees that do not do well with summer watering. The deck does keep the root area of the akebia shaded and cool but where it grows on the wall can get pretty hot on a warm day.

By late winter, much of the akebia has lost its leaves, but in my climate it never loses them all. I have not done much pruning on it but this fall I plan to cut it back severely to get it growing in a different direction.

I could see where this might become invasive given a wet summer environment. But here it is perfect.

It has been eaten by deer and sheep when they have gotten into the garden.

On Nov 9, 2009, scott9000 from York Springs, PA wrote:

This invasive vine could be the next Kudzu! Do NOT plant unless you want to terrorize the few remaining natives that are struggling to survive in Eastern forests and ecosystems. . It appears innocent for the first year or so, then as it becomes established it will take over and you will have to fight to keep it in check from taking over your flowerbeds, woodlands, etc. Any lanscaper recommending this plant does not know what they are doing!

On Jul 15, 2009, kmerideth from Woodsfield, OH wrote:

I purchased two of these several years ago to try and create some shade over my fish pond. I had no clue what they were, just liked the woody vines. One of them blooms white and the other blooms purple. For the first time the purple one is hanging full of fruit this year. It's quite an amazing site. I have not had any problem containing them to one area but need to find out exactly how to prune them because they are becoming quite top heavy.

On Jul 31, 2008, robcorreia from San Diego, CA (Zone 10b) wrote:

The foliage is so beautiful I don't even need blooms. Cut all but 2 or 3 stems for a tracery effect. Very pretty vine, not invasive at all for me.

On Dec 26, 2007, jkn from Havre De Grace, MD wrote:

INVASIVE DO NOT PLANT!

On Sep 24, 2007, _renee_ from Wellington,
New Zealand (Zone 10a) wrote:

Finally I've identified a 'mystery vine' in my garden as Akebia quinata. It was cut back to virtually nothing along with the rest of the overgrown scrub on a bank behind my house and sprayed with herbicide last year. I noticed it flowering this spring from bare wood; we've now got leaves, and new vines have just started coming away in the last week. With the warm temperatures we've had it's suddenly started growing fairly quickly and I'm hoping by autumn it will have spread nicely. Love the pretty foliage and the smell and unusual colour of the flowers. Both flowers and foliage are mostly very small so far on my plant; this could be the cultivar? but I suspect they'll get bigger as the vine comes away again.

Kiweed - there is no Akebia triata but there is an Akebia trif... read moreoliata (three-leave Akebia) which must be what you've got.

On May 7, 2006, stranjbrew from Memphis, TN wrote:

I have a wonderful chocolate vine in Memphis that is 6 or 7 years old. It is a fast growing and spreading vine, but the runners are mainly aboveground and can be cut away without much effort if it becomes too rampant. Otherwise, like wisteria, a lot is good. It seems like the plant was quite a few years old before it began producing the little grape-cluster-like dark fruits that are so beautiful. Although the seeds don't stay around too long, the vine is lushly attractive all year long. It is one of my favorite plants!

On Apr 12, 2006, ineedacupoftea from Denver, CO wrote:

Usually evergreen to 5 degrees F, give or take depending on individual. Prune in the spring after it blooms (as it blooms on 1+ year old wood.

Flowers are dominantly male, and a plant's first attempt may be all male (as pollen is cheaper to produce than fruit.) I liken the fragrance to a spiced version of honeysuckle.

Growth is greatest in spring and fall (in hot summer areas) but still grows rampantly all year. Likes full intense sun and blooms better with it.

On Mar 31, 2006, Beachgardengal from Horn Lake, MS (Zone 7b) wrote:

This is beautiful in early spring in 7b. It does not grow as fast as wisteria but in just a few years (maybe 4) it has grown up both sides of our trellis and about halfway over the top (12 x 14 trellis), therefore I am a little unsure of the 4-6 foot height listed for it. I need to trim it now since it has grown "up" and has a "hat" appearance at the corners. I only planted two, one on each end, and they have met and intertwined very well. It does give off a sweet smell when in bloom. I love seeing this as one of my first bloomers each year and it looks great with the daffodils blooming underneath it!

On Jun 12, 2005, NEgardener from Columbus, NE (Zone 5a) wrote:

I planted this vine two years ago, but have not been aware of any flowers -- that could be our zone 5 climate, or maybe I just looked for them too late in the spring. I have it growing along with a clematis vine, whose flowers are lovely next to the chocolate vine's unusual foliage. It has grown amazingly fast. Because of concerns that this vine may eventually overpower the less-vigorous clematis, I may need to move the clematis to another location.

On Mar 19, 2005, MontanaVineMan from Helena, MT (Zone 5a) wrote:

I planted an Akebia 2 years ago and have had fairly good luck with it in my climate, surprisingly. You would think Montana weather to be much too inclement to this vine, but as I say, it has done quite well so far. Here, it is deciduous but comes back bigger and better every year. I have not had it bloom for me yet, and I'm not sure it will in my zone, but we shall just see about that! I am hoping it will eventually bloom, and if it does, I will probably get another and then hand pollinate them to see if I can actually get the fruit to appear too. I really like any plants that belong to the Lardizabalacae family. I hope I spelled that right! LOL!!! I am thinking of purchasing a Stauntonia and a Holboellia also, to be grown in my solarium. I pretty sure those would NOT grow outside in this ... read moreclimate! But to anyone else in Montana, or my zone, I would recommend trying an Akebia vine. It's quite beautiful and well behaved here so far and really worth the extra effort.

On Jun 15, 2004, Fran99 from Spartanburg, SC wrote:

Grows very well here in upstate SC. Once established needs some control. My vine was an escape and now, after about 10 years covers a large area of fence. Have never had fruit.

On Jul 13, 2003, Cytania wrote:

Two of the three plants I bought are suffering some kind of mildew and can't even be bothered to twine properly. The specimen I have that is thriving has more dappled shade and has lived up to the promise of vigorous climbing. Perhaps the sunny wall repuation is overplayed?

On Feb 13, 2003, ohmysweetpjs from Brookeville, MD wrote:

I don't have this yet, I'm getting seeds and cuttings. I've heard that this is very invasive. The fruit tastes like tapioca. However, this plant is a treat for cold climates which don't usually get to have such interesting plants.