Edibles – Fruit – Chocolate Vine
Chocolate Vine
Botanical name: akebia quinata
Beginner friendly?: moderate
Average size at maturity: can climb over 30 ft in height and spread over 5 ft
Hardy zone: zones 4-8
Growth rate: climbs about 10-15 ft per year
Foliage color: green/blue
Flower color: purple
Bloom time: spring blooms, summer harvest
Pruning instructions: prune lightly and deadhead as needed
Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the spring and summer months
Landscape use: fruit garden, trellis climber, groundcover, fence cover
Special features: long-lasting blooms, disease resistant, cold-hardy
Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day
Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions
Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring
Best time to plant: spring, fall
Best type of soil: sand, loam
Companion plants: lady banks rose, clematis, honeysuckle, japanese maples
Toxicity level: toxic for pets if ingested, non-toxic to humansÂ
Invasive species: yes
