Akebia

akebia

( ak - KEE - bee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Akebia is a genus of deciduous to semi-evergreen species of vines that needs regular water to perform well. Sun needs vary by species. These vines are native to Japan, China and Korea, and grow quickly in mild climates to 15-30 feet in length. The foliage is valued for its beauty; dainty leaves are held at the end of 3-5 inch long stalks and are notched at the tips. Dull purple or white flowers that smell like vanilla hang in drooping clusters in springtime. Fruiting varieties produce edible sausage-shaped fruits. Grow Akebia as a specimen in the landscape, or grow it as an edible vine.

Akebia species and Varietals

The genus Akebia includes five species and is a member of the plant family Lardizabalaceae. The generic name is derived from the Japanese word for the plant, Akebi, which itself is derived from akeru (to open) and mi (fruit), referring to fruits splitting open when ripe. The best growing zones for Fiveleaf Akebia are USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-24. Growing zones vary somewhat depending on the species cultivated; for more information, consult the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Akebia chingshuiensis
This species is more rare than others in the genus, and is sometimes considered to be a subspecies of Akebia trifoliata, or Threeleaf Akebia. Foliage is green to light green, and flowers are deep purple, blooming from April through May in the plant's native range (China).

Akebia longeracemosa (Long-Racemed Akebia)
This semi-evergreen climbing vine is thought to be a hybrid between Akebia quinata and Akebia trifoliata, and produces fragrant, cup-shaped purple to red springtime flowers in long racemes (hence the common name Long-Racemed Akebia), followed by purplish sausage-shaped fruits. Must cross-pollinate with another variety or species to fruit. Best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Akebia quinata (Chocolate Vine, Five-Leaf Vine, Five-Leaf Akebia)
This species is native to Japan, China, and Korea, and is a commonly-grown edible and ornamental plant in the United States and Europe. Flowers smell of chocolate, vanilla, or nutmeg. Pinkish-purple flowers bloom in springtime. Variety 'Alba' ('Shirobana') has white flowers, and variety 'Silver Bells' has silver-white flowers with purple stamens. Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Akebia trifoliata (Threeleaf Akebia, Three-Leaf Chocolate Vine, Chocolate Vine)
Produces three leaflets per leaf; foliage is dark green and somewhat glossy. Vines reach up to 30 feet long at maturity, and produce flowers that are deep purple. Fruits that follow are light purple. Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. These vines are grown ornamentally as well as cultivated for their fruits. USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Caring for Akebia

Please note that these vines are invasive in some areas of the world, including the mid-Atlantic around forested areas. Check with local authorities before planting these vines. The first thing to consider when choosing a place to plant these vines is their mature size. These vines can grow to be quite large, and can serve as either a groundcover or can clamber over structures. They will need to be attached to structures manually, as they do not cling to structures on their own. Plant these vines in partial shade to full sun. They are woodland vines, but flowering and subsequent fruiting will be more profuse in full sun. Ideally, try to aim for a spot that receives between 4 and 6 hours of direct sun each day. If growing these vines in particularly cool or warm areas, consider planting in a sheltered spot that is protected from drying winds and late afternoon direct sunlight, which can sunburn foliage. These vines will grow successfully in a variety of soil types, though the best is a mixture of sand and loam with a high percentage of organic matter added in. Good drainage is essential. If local soil is particularly poor, or if it does not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic material or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature.

Water new plantings regularly; weekly waterings are recommended for plants while they establish strong root systems. When mature, these vines can be given supplemental waterings during the drier months of the year, but otherwise they are mildly drought-tolerant and can get by on rainwater alone with some supplemental irrigation. Wait until the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch before watering. These vines do best in climates that range between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and in harsh winter weather, they may lose their leaves. They will regrow in springtime. These vines do not require fertilizers; a simple application of organic compost once a year in springtime is sufficient to support growth, flowering and fruiting for the season. Pruning should be scheduled for after vines are done flowering; the blooms appear on old wood.

Harvesting Akebia Fruits
In order to have a productive Akebia vine, there need to be two separate plants. Although Akebia vines produce male and female flowers on the same plants, the male flowers cannot pollinate the female flowers on the same plant; pollen will need to come from a genetically different individual. The edible fruits produced by Akebia vines are shaped like fat Cucumbers or stout Bananas, and have white flesh and large black seeds. They are best tasting when allowed to ripen on the vine; they will begin to split open when they are mature and ready to be harvested. The fruits don't have a profound taste to them; they are quite mild in flavor, with a hint of sweetness and slight bitterness. It is similar to a squishy-textured Lychee with very mild notes of melon, pear and coconut. Seeds are very bitter and should not be consumed. The flesh is a bit squishy textured, and is unpalatable to some. These fruits are pureed and frozen, made into smoothies, or added to other seasonal fruits in salads.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Akebia vines can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your vine, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Akebia by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Akebia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. They are located inside of the mature fruits produced by plants, and are shiny and black. To remove them, slice open the fruit and scoop them out. Rinse them carefully under water to remove any remaining fruit flesh, and then lay them out to dry for about two days' time.
Soak seeds in water for about 24 hours, and then take them out. Any seeds that float can be discarded; they will not germinate.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Akebia fruits are typically greyish-purple, and contain many seeds amongst their white flesh.

Akebia seeds are shiny and black.

Problems and Pests

Akebia vines do not have many serious pest or disease problems, though they are considered nuisances themselves in some situations; these vines are considered to be invasive in the mid-Atlantic. For information on commonly encountered pests and diseases in the home garden, consult the following pages:

Pests & Pest Management

Plant Issues