Plant of the Month, March 2007

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Akebia quinata

Common Name: Chocolate Vine

Plant type:
Family: Lardizabalaceae
Height/Spread: To over 20'

Leaves:  Dainty leaves on 3-5 inch stalks, each divided into five deep green leaflets 203 inches long, notched at tips.

Flowers:  Purple, the blooms are vanilla scented.  It has interesting, edible fruit, looking like miniature purple cigars or sausages.
Bloom Time: March, April, May
Conditions: Requires less than regular watering.  Needs regular moisture though.  Full Shade, part sun/part shade or full sun.
Diseases/pests: No significant problems

Natural Range: Native to Japan, China and Korea
Hardiness: Grows fast in mild regions, slower where the winters are cold.
Location: Waterwise Garden (WW 08).