Akebia quinata

Bloom Color: Purple, Red.
Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Variable height, Variable spread.

Akebia quinata is a deciduous Climber growing to 12 m at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious . The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light , medium and heavy soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic soils. It can grow in full shade semi-shade or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Landscape Uses:Arbor. Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil. Prefers a good loamy soil. Succeeds in acid or alkaline soils. Prefers partial shade but succeeds in full sun. Succeeds on north facing walls. Plants are fast growing and can be invasive. Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c but they can be somewhat tender when young. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. This species grows very well in S.W. England. Plants are evergreen in mild winters. Resentful of root disturbance, either grow the plants in containers prior to planting them out or plant them out whilst very young. Plants are not normally pruned, if they are growing too large they can be cut back by trimming them with shears in early spring. The flowers have a spicy fragrance, reminiscent of vanilla. Plants are shy to fruit, they possibly require some protection in the flowering season, hand pollination is advisable. Plants are probably self-sterile, if possible at least 2 plants should be grown, each from a different source. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features:
Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.