April Plant of the Month
This climber is a favourite of one of my clients. Planted over ten years ago, it continues to weave its way up and around a pergola…and beyond. I have to restrain it occasionally so that it doesn’t swamp other climbers, but it is a real feature on the pergola before the wisteria, honeysuckle and clematis follow on. Although suppliers say it is suitable for growing on a fence, I warn against that and suggest only planting it of you have a robust structure like a pergola.
Its vigorous nature is the downside of the chocolate vine, so here’s the positive. Its luxurious, spicy scent (with a hint of vanilla) emanates from the maroon-purple flowers from March to May. In the warmth of summer, if pollinated, a purple, elongated fruit often follows, which can be eaten!
Bright green, semi-evergreen three lobed leaves provide winter interest in milder winters, developing a pretty, purple tinge.
Akebia prefer to be grown in moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, reaching an approximate height of 10m.
There is a white version, but I think it’s quite muddy in colour and why wouldn’t you want the chocolatey maroon flowers?
