Chocolate Vine

Akebia quinata

• Position: sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist but well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: March to May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A very pretty climber, this has beautiful maroon-chocolate flowers which have an exotic spicy fragrance with a hint of vanilla, and appear in spring. They stand out against the bright green, three-lobed leaves, which have a purple tinge in winter. This unusual semi-evergreen climber is excellent for training over low walls or up a trellis, and in a warm summer, large sausage-shaped fruit can form.
  
  
• Garden care: Prune back after flowering where necessary.