What soil does Chocolate vine grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Chocolate vine hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Chocolate vine flower?

Flowering: April–May, purple.

How much water does Chocolate vine need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Chocolate vine

Akebia quinata

Chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) is a climber. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €25.

Illustration of Chocolate vine — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Chocolate vine is a fast twining climber with delicate five-fingered leaves that stay on in mild winters and chocolate-purple spring flowers with a spicy vanilla scent. Train it on a sturdy pergola, arbour, fence or wires, because within a few years it covers a large area, in sun or in shade. The white pulp of its purple, sausage-shaped fruit is edible, but fruit sets only when two different plants cross-pollinate and the summer is long and warm, so it is mainly an ornamental. Prune it every year after flowering, or it will climb over neighbouring shrubs.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases; the trouble is its vigour: unpruned it forms dense curtains, climbs over shrubs and young trees and smothers them, and stems that touch the ground take root. In Central Europe it rarely escapes so far, but several countries watch it (in Switzerland it is on the list of potentially invasive species), so do not plant it next to woodland, stream banks or natural habitats, and do not dump prunings outside the garden. Its early growth and flowers are often caught by late spring frosts. The thickening stems can distort thin gutters and weak trellis.

Considered invasive in a neighbouring country

It isn't listed here, but don't plant it near natural habitats, woodland or water, and don't leave the clippings outside the garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 8 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, purple

Group	Climber
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	8 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	6–12 m × 2–8 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	April–May, purple
Harvest	September–October
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €25

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €25

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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