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Climber Wall Shrub

Akebia trifoliata

three-leaf akebia

A strong-growing climber with leaves composed of three ovate, slightly lobed leaflets which are often bronze-tinted when young, and deep purple flowers in short racemes, followed by light purple fruits

Synonyms
Akebia lobata
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Bronze
Summer Green
Autumn Green Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Lardizabalaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Genus

Akebia are vigorous twining, semi-evergreen climbing shrubs, with attractive palmate or trifoliate leaves and racemes of cup-shaped purplish female and smaller male flowers, followed by large, sausage-shaped fruits, if cross-pollinated by another clone

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China, Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

A climber that thrives with any good garden soil and aspect, but resents root disturbance

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 11 after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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