Akebia quinata (Fiveleaf Akebia)


Michael's Opinion

An excellent vine, although not particularly showy, it has the subtle elegance that can be appreciated by the refined plants person. Well behaved and by no means a garden thug as can be the case with many garden vines. Pest free in my experience.

Botanical Information

FamilyLardizabalaceae
GenusAkebia
Speciesquinata
CategoryWoody
TypeVine
OriginChina, Korea and Japan.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-32) - (-7)
Temperature (°F)(-25) - 20
Height5 m
Spread3 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA vigorous vine that thrives in partial shade to full sun and prefers good garden soil. It remains relatively unblemished throughout the growing season.
ID CharacteristicAs the common name denotes, it has five leaves and has dark blue black flowers and fruit.
ShapeVine.
LandscapeAn unusual but attractive vine for a blank wall, best in partial shade and where the soil has some moisture, so avoid dry overhangs on buildings.
PropagationSoftwood cuttings. Seed on moist sphagnum moss at 5°C for 3 months.
CultivationAn easy to grow plant that can be pruned in the late spring after it has flowered. It is not as vigorous as some of the other garden thug vines such as Campsis radicans.
PestsNone of note.
Notable SpecimensWeldon Library, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. The Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
Bark/Stem DescriptionYoung stems are green becoming brown with age with many prominent lenticels.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionVey small imbricate buds.
Leaf DescriptionSmall palmate shaped leaves with five sessile leaflets to a leaf.
Flower DescriptionThree petaled, with the petals recurving away from the centre of the flower. Flowers are about 4 cm across and are a purple black in colour.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is rare to set, but if it does it will resemble a larger version of the flower before it opens. I have never seen the fruit of the plant, only pictures.
Colour DescriptionThere is little autumn colour.
Texture DescriptionMedium to fine textured vine.

Photographs