A graceful semi-deciduous twiner with five-fingered leaves and unusual pendant clusters of spicy, chocolate-scented purple-maroon flowers in spring. Vigorous and shade-tolerant, though it can spread.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 8 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun, part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Chocolate Vine
Botanically, Akebia quinata is a fast-growing climber in the Lardizabalaceae family. It reaches around 8 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with semi-deciduous foliage. Purple flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Chocolate Vine
Chocolate Vine suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun, part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Chocolate Vine does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Chocolate Vine does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Chocolate Vine after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Chocolate Vine in the garden
Chocolate Vine earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting, its fragrance and a fast screen or informal hedge.
Companion planting & design
Combine Chocolate Vine with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Chocolate Vine
Plant Sale lists Chocolate Vine as potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
