20 Seeds Chocolate Vine Akebia quinata Hardy Climbing Vine Fragrant Spring Blooms

Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata) is a vigorous twining climber grown for its unusual spring flowers and lush semi-evergreen foliage. The small blooms open in pendent clusters, often in shades of purple and chocolate, sometimes with a light fragrance, and are followed by interesting sausage-shaped fruit on well-pollinated plants. Valued as a fast-growing ornamental for covering pergolas, trellises, fences, and arches, it brings bold texture and seasonal interest to the garden.

Grow this climber as a decorative feature on a sturdy support in a sunny to partly shaded position, where it can scramble upward and spread to form a dense screen. It works well trained over an arbor or along a wall, and its twining habit makes it suitable for softening structural garden elements. Provide consistent moisture while establishing, and much less once mature. The foliage remains attractive through the season in mild climates, and the vines can be lightly trimmed to keep them tidy. Harvest fruit only when fully ripe if used for culinary purposes.

Species: Akebia quinata
Type: Perennial climbing vine
Plant_Habit: Twining climber
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Zones: 4-9
Germination: Cold stratification improves germination; surface sow and keep moist
Sowing: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost
Spacing: 10-15 feet apart
Notes: Provide a sturdy trellis or arbor; foliage is semi-evergreen in mild climates