First in a series of plants we do NOT recommend
by Catherine Feldman
One day, early in my gardening years, I fell in love with a lovely five-leaved vine (akebia quinata) that was growing beautifully up a post in a Botanical Garden. It even had some other charming virtues, being edible for humans, distasteful to deer, shade tolerant. and drought resistant.
Above all, it was gorgeous; you can see why I had to have it. Oh my, though, what a misguided romance! I am stuck now and forever with this plant that pops up everywhere, especially where a current loved one is planted and struggling to maintain a relationship with me. No luxurious sloth allowed in this relationship, only remorseless vigilience, else I would have an Akebia garden. If it calls out to you, block it!
I acquired my akebia perhaps thirty five years ago from Mr. Wilson–he had a fabulous nursery near Mentor, with exotic plants galore. I fell in love with the akebia as you did–the charming leaves, the possibility of fruit if you have a male and a female ( or maybe a different clone). It has lived on a trellis for all this time, needing only a firm hand a couple of times a year to remove the vining tendrils that run out along the ground in all directions. Cutting these off at the trellis has kept it totally in check. It has not produced fruit because–lack of pollinator I assume–but the leaves and charming habit have kept it where I planted it so long ago. And it reminds me of that amazing plantsman, Mr. Wilson.
Lois, I wish I had known your method of keeping akebia in check.
Akebia not only will pop up in your cultivated garden, but in undisturbed areas. It is considered invasive–another reason not to grow it.
It is beautiful Catherine. I can see why you wanted it! Lovely post. Thank you.
My neighbor had one in his backyard. Made no effort to control it. Climbed up and smothered a tree. Is now in my backyard too. Rampantly romping.