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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Chocolate Vine is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Chocolate Vine with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Chocolate Vine
Plant Sale lists Chocolate Vine as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.