Description
Akebia quinata – Fiveleaf akebia – This semi evergreen climber is native to China, Korea, and Japan and reaches 30’ feet or more high. Bears dark green rounded 1 ½-3” long leaf composed of usually 5 oblong to egg shape entire leaflets notched at the tips with bluish green undersides. Spicy smelling brownish purple flowers are produced in drooping racemes 5” in spring. Both male and female plants are needed to produce the sausage shaped edible fruits.
Train up a tree or on terllis. Akebia may become invasive grow in moist but well drained fertile soil or humus rich in sun or partial shade. Prune after flowering remove tangled stems every 3-4 years.
Zones 5-9
