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Latin Name:	Akebia quinata
Common Name:	Akebia
Family:	Lardizabalaceae
Synonyms:	Rajania quinata.
Known Hazards:	None known
	Author:  (Houtt.)Decne.
Habit:      A Fast Growing Deciduous Climber
Habitat:  Woods, hedges and thickets in mountainous areas[58].
Height:  12.0     Width:
Cultivation Details: Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[200]. Prefers a good loamy soil[11]. Succeeds in acid or alkaline soils[200]. Prefers partial shade but succeeds in full sun[3, 200]. Succeeds on north facing walls[219]. Plants are fast growing and can be invasive[200]. Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c but they can be somewhat tender when young[200]. 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[K]. This species grows very well in S.W. England[11]. Plants are evergreen in mild winters[11]. Resentful of root disturbance, either grow the plants in containers prior to planting them out or plant them out whilst very young[219]. Plants are not normally pruned, if they are growing too large they can be cut back by trimming them with shears in early spring[202]. The flowers have a spicy fragrance, reminiscent of vanilla[219]. Plants are shy to fruit, they possibly require some protection in the flowering season, hand pollination is advisable[3, 11]. Plants are probably self-sterile[11, 182], if possible at least 2 plants should be grown, each from a different source. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Surface sow in a light position[133]. The seed germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[133]. Stored seed should be given 1 month cold stratification[113, 133]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[11, 113]. The cuttings can be slow to root[200]. Cuttings can also be taken of soft wood in spring[113]. Root cuttings, December in a warm greenhouse[113]. Layering in early spring[1].
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