Photo: Cillas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
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Survives zone 6 through 9
Akebia: sweet but INSIPID pulp — in Japan the bitter RIND is the prized part. Decaisnea bland and watery.
- Hardiness
- Zone 6 to 9
- Habit
- Vine
- Edible part
- Fruit
- Ripens
- Autumn (pods split)
- Mature size
- Vigorous twining vine; containerable with pruning
- Light
- Partial — roots shaded, top in sun
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.0
- Environment
- Montane
- Status
- Both wild and cultivated
- Years to fruit
- 3–4 yrs
- Pollination
- SELF-INCOMPATIBLE — plant 2 genetically distinct vines (a common failure)
Growing guide
How it spreads. A vigorous, fast-growing evergreen climber (to roughly 7-8 m with a spread of several meters) that can outgrow its allotted support; monoecious flowers give way to fleshy, edible-pulped fruit whose seeds may be spread by birds.
Growing tips. Needs a sturdy support to twine on and requires little to no routine pruning beyond trimming after flowering to control size and shape; hardy without frost protection in most temperate climates but appreciates a sheltered spot out of cold, drying winds.