Akebia longeracemosa

Akebia longeracemosa, also known as the long-racemed Akebia, is a climbing plant of great uniqueness. In this very rarely cultivated Taiwanese species, the pendulous flower clusters measure about 15 cm (6in) in length. They bloom in spring, from May to July: with a chocolate-purple colour that is absolutely exquisite, they are sure to amaze with their exotic appearance and delicious vanilla fragrance. The semi-evergreen foliage is also highly ornamental, boasting a light and graceful design. This hardy Akebia thrives in damp but well-drained, fertile soils, and a sunny position.

This beautiful climbing plant with woody stems, native to subtropical and temperate forests and mountain slopes in Asia, belongs to the Lardizabalaceae family. It will quickly reach a height of 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft) with a spread of 2m (7ft), sometimes more if the growing conditions are favourable. Akebia longeracemosa bears beautiful trailing clusters of bell-shaped flowers, approximately 15 cm (6in) in length, in a dark purple coluor, from May to June or even July. As a monoecious plant, it carries both male and female flowers on the same plant, with the female flowers being larger. This highly nectar-rich flowering emits a vanilla fragrance. However, the plant is not self-fertile and requires the presence of a second plant nearby to produce fruits. The fruits appear during a warm summer. They have the shape of large swollen and arched beans, in a purple colour, approximately 6 cm (2in) long and 2 cm (1in) wide. Although edible, they offer a not very flavourful white flesh, surrounding large black seeds. The semi-evergreen or deciduous foliage, depending on the climate, is highly ornamental. It consists of five medium green oblong leaflets, which appear in spring, and takes on reddish hues in autumn.

With its exotic appearance, Akebia longeracemosa is a climbing plant of excellent hardiness, tolerating temperatures as low as -13°C (8.6°F) to -18°C (-0.4°F) in mature specimens. It clings to its support with its stems with tendrils, and can be planted on a pergola, a wall, or in a tree alongside a climbing rose or an evergreen honeysuckle, preferably in a sheltered and sunny location.