Akebia quinata

Akebia quinata, Chocolate Vine, is a vigourous semi-evergreen climber from Asia with unusual and highly attractive purple/cream flowers that are borne in Spring, usually in April to May. Pollinated plants produce elongated sausage-shaped fruits in autumn which split open when ripe revealing white flesh and black seeds. They have a delicate sweet flavour. Although not dioecious, usually two plants are needed to ensure good cross-pollination.

Akebia quinata is a very vigourous climber, quickly establishing itself with its twining woody vines and clambering beyond the support provided. For this reason, it is only sensible to keep it in check, pruning it back hard every year after flowering. It is not fussy over soil but prefers a deep fertile soil that is just moist. It does best in partial shade but again is very tolerant of both sun and shade.