Akebia quinata

Common Name:
Chocolate Vine

Description:
Akebia quinata, commonly known as the Chocolate Vine, is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen climber known for its vigorous habit and unique purple-brown flowers that emit a soft, chocolate-like fragrance. Native to East Asia, this twining vine produces small, trifoliate leaves that offer a lush, tropical look, and in cooler climates like Melbourne, it may lose some foliage in winter but generally remains semi-evergreen. In spring, clusters of striking, cup-shaped flowers bloom along the stems, with female and male flowers appearing on the same inflorescence. After flowering, elongated, sausage-shaped fruit may develop in warmer seasons, which are technically edible but not widely cultivated for consumption. Akebia quinata thrives in well-drained soil and tolerates a wide range of conditions including sun and part shade, though flowering is best in sunnier positions. It’s a low-maintenance plant ideal for covering fences, pergolas, or arbors, and is best suited to gardeners looking for rapid coverage with ornamental interest throughout the growing season.

Form:
Climber

Mature Size:
Height: Up to 10 metres
Width: 1–3 metres

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
Purple
Chocolate-brown
Maroon

Key Attributes:
Suitable for Pots
Bird Attracting
Bee Attracting
Perennial
Scented flowers
Vigorous growth – fast coverage
Suitable for Espalier
Can become invasive if not pruned and monitored

Toxicity:
Not considered toxic to humans or animals, but the plant is not commonly ingested and may cause mild stomach upset if consumed in large quantities.

Companion Plants:
Wisteria sinensis
Clematis armandii
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Hydrangea petiolaris