Akebia quinata 'Shirobana'

Sunset

Akebia quinata

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Zones 2-24, 29-43

Full, Partial, Shade

Moderate

Fiveleaf Akebia
Lardizabalaceae
Deciduous, Vines, Semi-evergreen

AKEBIA

Native to Japan, China, and Korea. Twines to 15–30 ft. Grows fast in mild regions, more slowly where winters are cold. Valued chiefly for its dainty leaves on 3–5-in. stalks, each divided into five deep leaflets 2–3 in. long, notched at tips. Dangling clusters of quaint, dull purple, vanilla-scented flowers in spring are more a surprise than a show. The edible fruit, if produced, looks like a thick, 2 1/2–4-in.-long, purplish sausage.

Give support for climbing. Keep plant under control to prevent it from becoming rampant. Prune each winter; recovers quickly even when cut to the ground. For a tracery effect on post or column, prune out all but two or three basal stems. Can also be used as ground cover in large spaces; plant 6 ft. apart.

'Shirobana'

Bears white flowers.