Caring For Akebia
Grow akebia in full sun or afternoon sun with morning shade for best growth and flowering. When sited in full shade, this vine grows more slowly and blooms less than it would in full sun. In addition, the foliage doesn’t get as dense. Akebia likes moist, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. It doesn’t handle drought well, so keep it in a place where you’ll be able to provide irrigation during periods of hot, dry weather. As with most plants, providing a 3- to 4-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil around the roots helps the soil stay moist longer in hot, dry weather. The mulch also suppresses weeds. A fast-growing vine that needs support, akebia responds well to pruning. In fact, you can cut it back significantly in winter if it grows out of bounds. Prune it less heavily in late spring after it’s finished blooming if you want to enjoy more flowers the following year. Note: Akebia has shown some invasive tendencies. Check local restrictions before planting it.
More Varieties of Akebia
Five-leaf akebia
Akebia quinata has green, hand-shape foliage divided into five leaflets along with purple springtime flowers. This type of akebia limbs up to 40 feet. Zones 5-8