AKEBIA QUINATA

A Japanese original hardy climber with a constitution second to none. It will outrageously cover any old fence, wall or barn in one season whilst producing the most astonishingly fragrant deep maroon-purple flowers with a deliciously exotic scent reminiscent of chocolate as the plant matures followed by elongated fruit. Very different and a fast climber. 30-40'.

Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing under glass. Surface sow onto moist seed compost at an temperature of 18C (64F). Germination is erratic and can take between 1-3 months, so please do be patient.

If sowing in the spring months and there is no sign of germination within the first 6-8 weeks, then a period of cold stratification may be necessary. Suggest the pots/tray are refrigerated at 4C (39F) for 6-8 weeks and then returned to the warmth

When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 8cm pots and grow on keeping under glass during the first winter. When all danger of frost has passed, plant out into any good garden soil.

The climbing plant will require a frame to climb upon and if you need to restrict the the spread of the rhizomes, simply plant inside a large pot which can be sunk into the ground. After flowering, prune in the late winter or spring followed by a good mulch and feed.