Chocolate liana planting and care. Akebia (photo) chocolate liana - planting and care. Propagation of akebia by seeds

Akebia is a perennial, liana-like, deciduous shrub that, when grown in warm climates, can remain evergreen.

General information

The stem is smooth, in a young plant it has a green and pink color, and over time begins to become stiff and acquire a brown and purple hue. The stem is round in cross section.

Flowering begins from mid-spring and continues until the very beginning of autumn. This period is marked by the presence of an incredible chocolate and coffee aroma in the garden. It is for this feature that the plant was nicknamed the "chocolate liana".

And this is not all the features of akebia. So, for example, it is unusual that on one stem there are heterosexual flowers: male violet-pink flowers, of which there are about 5-9 pieces, with thumbs of stamens of bright pink color, while female ones (there are only 2-3 of them) are purple-brown in color with dense ovaries at the center.

Fruiting begins in September, but it occurs extremely rarely, since the pollination process is difficult. The fruit is oval large berry, the outside is covered with a dense glossy peel, which seems to be smeared with wax. The ripe fruit has a pink-purple color. As for the pulp, it is very aromatic (coffee notes), juicy and edible. Tastes a bit like raspberries.

It is known that akebia leaves are part of many seasonings, and even found their use in Chinese medicine. In addition, wonderful baskets are obtained from the vine of the creeper.

Varieties and types

There are 5-6 types of akebia, but only two of them are used in gardening.

- it is also called five. It got its name for the structure of the leaf, which has five separate leaflets, connecting only at the transition to the petiole, the length of which is about 10-12 cm, while the leaflets themselves are up to 5 cm long and 3 cm wide. The leaf surface is smooth. The flowers are small with purple shoots. In height, this vine reaches 2-3 meters.

- has only three smooth leaves, less winter-hardy, but reaches about 7 meters in height and grows much faster. Dark shoots Brown with dark purple flowers. In the aroma of fruits, in addition to the smell of coffee, there are also notes of cinnamon. The fruits themselves are quite elongated, for which they were nicknamed "blue bananas".

Akebia cultivation and care in the open field

A well-lit plot of land is selected for cultivation, which will ensure lush flowering.

The soil should be well-drained and light. During planting, a hole is dug into which the following substrate is poured: peat, dry grass, foliage and humus (in a small amount) and all this is mixed with sand. After laying the akebia and the substrate, the earth must be lightly tamped and watered. In addition, a young plant needs additional support, as the stems are still very tender and fragile.

To start the active growth phase, young shoots must be pinched.

Organic and mineral fertilizers are well accepted during the period of growth and flowering.

The growth of green mass per year ranges from one to three meters, depending on the species. Reaching 5-7 m in length becomes a signal that it is time to transplant akebia, as the root system has become too powerful. In addition, the base of the stem loses its attractiveness.

Thunbergia is also an ornamental vine that is grown outdoors during planting and care, but requires compliance with the rules. You can find all the necessary recommendations for growing and caring for this plant in this article.

Akebia rest period

In winter, akebia will easily endure slight frosts if it is covered with a film or agrofibre, on top of which there will still be a good layer of snow.

The dormant period is marked by the following care: air temperature + 10 ... 12 ° C, reduced watering and cessation of fertilization.

If you grow a chocolate vine in a pot, then in this case it will need an annual transplant, while increasing the size of the pot each time.

Akebia growing from seeds

There are two methods of growing akebia: vegetative and seed. In this case, the vegetative method is divided into propagation by cuttings or layering.

Seeds can be sown immediately after harvest, thereby increasing the percentage of germination. Sowing is carried out in small pots containing light sandy soil.

Seeds do not need deep immersion - no deeper than 5 mm below the soil level (just sprinkle on top of the earth after sowing). Top must be covered with glass or film. The room temperature for comfortable maintenance should be at 15 ° C.

Friendly shoots are in no hurry to appear, for this they may need about three months. IN open ground strengthened sprouts are transplanted already in the middle or late spring. You need to make sure that the likelihood of a return of frost has completely disappeared.

Reproduction of akebia

For cuttings, cuttings can be harvested throughout the growing season. Then they must be placed in a pot with a sandy-peat substrate, where they take root and develop, and are planted in open ground only the next year.

And finally, the easiest way to propagate is by layering. In this case, it is necessary to carefully dig a part of the stem to the ground, while not separating it from the mother plant. When sprouts begin to appear at the site of the dig, it means that the root system has begun to develop and the plant has taken root. Now you can separate it and transplant it separately.

Since this breeding method is carried out at the beginning of spring, during this time the young akebia will get stronger enough and will be able to overwinter (with shelter and with slight frosts).

Diseases and pests

With regards to diseases, in the case of abundant watering, lack of drainage, or generally being in damp places where it is difficult for the soil to dry out, development is possible. rotten And mold . This process can be recognized by whitish oval spots on the leaf plate.

As a struggle, first of all, the affected leaves are removed with part of the shoots and burned so as not to spread the lesion. Next, you need to put compost around and treat the plant with antifungal drugs.

To protect akebia, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures - the treatment of shoots with foundationazole.

Akebia is an alien from East Asia. Japan is considered the birthplace of this plant. The Japanese are prone to admiring natural beauty and it is the akebia that attracts them with the gentle charm of its flowers. Under natural conditions, akebia grows in Korea and China, in the south of the European continent and in North America. In Russia, akebia can be found in the Crimea and the Caucasus.

Akebia belongs to the genus of dicotyledonous vines of the Lardizobalov family. In our country, it is not very well known, but those who have ever seen akebia bloom, certainly want to buy it for their garden or plant it at home.

plant description

In a favorable habitat in a natural range, akebia is an evergreen deciduous plant. In colder areas, it sheds its leaves for the winter.

Like all creepers, akebia "creeps" with its shoots along the supports, reaching a height of up to 10 meters. landscape designers love to use this vine to decorate hedges, arbors, arches and balconies. A transparent curtain of pink-violet flowers and bright green leaves will delight you all summer with its beauty, grace and protect you from prying eyes.

On a flat horizontal surface, you can use akebia as a ground cover plant, the shoots of which will very soon close and decorate a previously nondescript clearing. Liana is growing rapidly, in a year it can give an increase of up to 3 meters. At first, the shoots are flexible, elastic, have a green color, as the vine grows stiff, it becomes brown-purple.

Liana flowering begins in early spring - in March-April and continues until autumn. There are male and female flowers on the same tree. Coloring of flowers - from pink to purple delicate shades. Flower petals are part of the famous brands of tea. During flowering, an unusual aroma of vanilla, coffee, chocolate, depending on the variety, spreads through the garden. Akebia got its second name precisely for this property - chocolate liana. The fruits appear in September, their ripening lasts about a month.

The fruit of the chocolate creeper is edible. They are colored, like flowers, in pink-violet tones, they resemble a large (up to 8 cm long) oblong berry with a dense, waxy, glossy skin. The fruits are also called "blue bananas". The pulp is juicy, has a pearly white color, tastes like raspberries. In the very center of the fruit there are many black seeds. The aroma of berries is peculiar and subtle, with vanilla notes, perhaps chocolate and coffee, some people even feel the aroma of cinnamon, depending on the variety. The fruits are eaten fresh as a dessert.

Popular types and varieties

In total, according to the botanical classification, akebia has 5 species:

• Akebia Shimitsu;
• Akebia Matsumuro;
• akebia Makino;
• akebia deken;
• Akebia Koizumi

As can be seen from the names, the species bear the names of prominent Japanese botanists, only Deken is a botanist from Holland. This once again speaks of the special love of the Japanese for chocolate creeper.

The species differ in a number of ways, the most notable of which are the leaves. The leaves are five and three-toed. They have a shiny glossy surface, dimensions are approximately 3x5 centimeters. On the territory of Russia, only species with five-fingered leaves grow in gardens, the so-called five-fingered akebia. Only these plants have adapted to the Russian climate, withstand temperature extremes and frosts.

Beneficial features

All parts of the akebia - fruits, leaves, branches (vine) in their natural habitats, especially in Japan and China - are "in business". Flowers, fruits, leaves are used for food, shoots are used to make souvenirs and furniture.

Fruits, flowers, leaves and shoots (vine) of akebia are used as follows:

• fruits normalize the microflora of the stomach and intestines;
• leaves - as part of medical fees in the eastern traditional medicine, a decoction of the leaves serves as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic;
• in a mixture with other plants - as a spicy seasoning for meat and fish;
• fragrant elite tea is brewed from flower petals;
• vine - for the manufacture of household items - wicker vases, baskets, garden furniture

Landing akebia

If you are lucky enough to get the seeds of this rare plant, then you need to do this:

• prepare the soil for akebia, it should be light, breathable. A mixture of sand and peat in equal proportions is suitable;
• prepare a shallow container, fill it with drainage and soil;
• moisten the soil well;
• scatter the seeds shallowly, close to the surface;
• cover the container with glass or transparent film;
• place the container in a warm, bright place;
• make sure that the soil does not dry out, sometimes open and ventilate the planting;
• shoots will appear in about 3 months;
• when strong leaves appear, dive each plant into a separate individual pot;
• when the seedlings grow up and gain strength, select the strongest, healthiest plants, plant them in the garden. It is advisable to land in open ground after the threat of frost has passed. Chocolate liana is a plant of warm latitudes, it is better to save it for the first time;
• flowering can be expected in 4 years

Cultivation and care

You can grow akebia in the garden or in the country. But if this is not possible, or your climate zone is not at all suitable for this plant, then you can grow a vine at home and even wait for it to bloom and bear fruit. Fans of home floriculture already have such examples of successful cultivation of chocolate vines.

Let's see how to grow akebia in the country, in the open field. You need to do it this way:

• choose a sunny, well-ventilated place. This will provide the liana with the most comfortable conditions for growth and flowering;
• prepare a shallow landing hole;
• at the bottom of the pit, place a drainage of pebbles or expanded clay. Place a mixture of sand, peat and humus in equal proportions on top;
• well fill the planting hole warm water;
• plant a seedling, compact the ground well around

Akebia loves the sun and warmth. If she likes the conditions, she will grow well and quickly. Like any vine, the plant requires support for its shoots. Provide her with supports in the form of arches or pergolas. If there is a fence or a wall of some building nearby, she herself will find where to “cling” and crawl up at high speed, as she belongs to fast-growing vines. For the growth of side shoots, you can pinch the main shoot from above.

You can plant a vine in the garden, in large containers, flowerpots or tubs. It is very decorative and fashionable, especially if the containers are beautiful. The containers can be removed for the winter in a warm room if the shoots are carefully removed from the supports. In this way, you will protect the akebia from the harsh Russian winter. The most suitable temperature for the vine during the period of rest and "hibernation" is 8-10 ° C. If you have the opportunity to provide the plant with such conditions, then this will be the most optimal solution question.

If the plant remains to winter in the garden, in the open field, then it must be covered from freezing. The shoots must be carefully removed from the supports, placed on the ground, covered with hay or leaves and covered with agrofiber. In the spring, when the frosts have passed, remove the shelter, let the akebia wake up. Do not miss the moment and remove the shelter in a timely manner, otherwise the plant may “overheat”.

Liana certainly requires care and attention. Apply mineral fertilizers such as superphosphate regularly. Phosphorus will have a beneficial effect on flowering and fruiting. Organic natural fertilizers such as manure or chicken manure will also help, especially if the soil is rocky and clay.

It can be advised to water the chocolate vine two or three times during the summer with an infusion of nettle and manure, this will “cheer up” the vine, give it a growth impetus. Just do not forget that manure and litter must be aged. Fresh manure and droppings can “burn” the roots, all your growing efforts will go down the drain. This exotic rare plant should be especially protected in the first years after planting.

Water the plant regularly, but do not flood, otherwise the roots may rot. The most best water for watering - natural rain. It contains all the energy of growth and development necessary for the plant. If you grow akebia at home, then also use natural water whenever possible. If this is not feasible, then stand the water for irrigation in the light for several hours so that it is saturated with sunlight.

Important point plant care - removal of dry dead shoots, or shoots affected by disease or mold.

reproduction

Reproduction of akebia can take place in three ways:

1. seeds;
2. layering;
3. cuttings

We have already considered the method of propagation by seeds. Reproduction by layering is similar for all vines. In the spring, the stem of the vine is bent to the ground and dug in. After rooting, the shoot is separated from the main mother plant and planted in its pre-selected place.

Propagation by cuttings is also not difficult. Lignified stems are placed in containers with soil from a mixture of sand and peat, and after rooting they are planted in their chosen place. Cuttings can be separated and rooted all summer.

Diseases and pests

The nature of the chocolate creeper provides natural immunity from insects and various pests. They don't even come close to her. The only danger for this vine is mold or rot when waterlogged. In this case, you need to cut off the diseased areas and burn them.

Try to plant an akebia and admire its flowering, following the example of the Japanese!

To replenish your flower garden with a beautiful and unusual plant, we recommend paying attention to Akebia. The plant is a creeping vine native to East Asia. The mild native climate allows the plant to remain evergreen even in the cold season.

The trunk of a young creeper has green color with a pinkish tint, while as it grows older it becomes brownish. In order for Akebia to grow quickly, its cultivation and care must be appropriate. Subject to all conditions, the vine is able to grow up to three meters in a year, reaching almost its maturity.

The leaves of the plant have a three-fingered or five-fingered shape and are fixed on a single rosette with a long petiole. The flowering of the plant begins in the spring and lasts almost until autumn. If Akebia bloomed in the garden, then this can be recognized by the pleasant chocolate and coffee aroma, which gave the second name to the plant - “chocolate liana”.

A feature of the liana is the presence of heterosexual flowers on one plant. If the flower is collected in 4-9 pieces on one inflorescence, has a large bud, purple-pink color and large stamens, then this is a male flower. The females are smaller and darker in color. The inflorescence consists of 2-3 flowers.

Fruiting "chocolate liana" begins in early autumn, large oval berries of pink-purple color. It should be noted that the fruits of Akebia are quite edible, especially since they exude a chocolate aroma. They taste like raspberries.
Varieties of "chocolate liana"

Only six varieties are known of this plant and only two of them are used in horticulture. The most common is the five-leaf or five-leaf Akebia. This variety got its name because of the leaf shape, which consists of five individual elements in the shape of five. A fairly common variety that can be found on almost all continents of the globe. At the same time, this variety of liana bears fruit extremely rarely.

Also among gardeners, another variety of Akebia is known - a three-leafed liana, characterized by three leaves on one petiole. The variety has a high growth rate, and mature plant can reach eight meters in height. Another one distinguishing feature of this variety - an additional note of cinnamon in the chocolate aroma of flowers.

How Akebia breeds

There are two ways to propagate "chocolate creeper" - seed and vegetative. Seeds can be planted immediately after collection, for which small pots are used. Strengthened seedlings are transplanted into open ground in late spring - early summer.
For cuttings, stiff stems are used, which are cut into pieces and planted in a peat-sand mixture. A year later, the stalk is ready for planting in open ground.

The nuances of growing

If you decide to plant Akebia in your garden, then you should choose the sunniest place. It is these conditions that are necessary for the growth of a vine that will delight you with a large number of flowers. The soil must be properly prepared and well drained. After planting the seedling, be sure to organize regular watering to prevent the roots from drying out.

For creepers, support should be considered, since the stems of a still young plant are quite flexible. To achieve long and dense flowering, it is recommended to feed the plant with organic and mineral fertilizers every month.

Protect Akebia in winter period agrofibre and film can, but if the frosts are not severe, then the plant is quite resistant to them.
If desired, the vine can be grown in pots, but every year it should be transplanted into a larger pot. If the stems are strongly drawn out, then they should be pinched or cut off, which is best done in the spring before the buds swell. In winter, the plant is practically not watered or fed, and the optimum temperature should be at plus ten degrees.

Akebia does not tolerate stagnant water, and in damp places it can be affected by mold and rot. In such cases, it is necessary to remove damaged shoots and leaves immediately.

Usage

"Chocolate Liana" has proven itself well for landscape design, when forming hedges, sheltering outbuildings and decorating arbors and arches. The shoots of the plant are quite lush and allow you to get a thick shadow, which is often used for arbors and terraces. Reach desired effect possible when combining creepers with low flowering and herbaceous plants or with other types of vines. Excellent neighbors for Akebia will be peonies, hosta, wormwood, honeysuckle.

The well-known "chocolate liana" is not only an ornamental, but also a fruit-bearing plant, the fruits of which are eaten. Moreover, by brewing leaves and flowers, you can get a delicious tea that provides a charge of vivacity and energy. The flexible stems of the creeper are used to weave decorative wickerwork and even furniture. Featured beneficial features Akebia even in folk medicine, using a decoction as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

Akebia - interesting exotic plant, whose homeland is East Asia. He also likes the mild climate of China, Korea and Japan. Can take root in the Crimea, the Caucasus and southern Europe. This vine has very beautiful inflorescences. But, unfortunately, it has not yet received wide recognition and is not very common, despite the fact that it has a large number of noteworthy properties.

plant description

Belongs to the Lardizobalov family. The akebia plant is a perennial climbing vine that can remain evergreen when kept in a warm climate. In the first year of life, the stem is green and pink, but as it matures, it becomes brown or purple. The stem is round in section. The leaves are bright green, rarely located on the stem and have long petioles. The leaf consists of three or five leaflets. In shape, they are similar to children's fives. For a year, the vine grows by 1-3 meters. Able to reach a height of up to 3 - 6 meters. Currently, six species of this shrub are known, but only two of them have become widespread. Also, the vine is called the "chocolate vine", because when it blooms, the flowers emit a delicate pleasant aroma of chocolate. In addition, the vine has many other "pluses". Due to the high growth rate, it is used to form a shade or to landscaping any place on the site. The plant easily wraps around any support, even if there is none. It develops as a groundcover. This property is often used for quick landscaping of slopes, slopes, that is, in those places where it is difficult to plant other ornamental crops.

Liana begins its flowering in April, lasts about a month. There are varieties of this plant that bloom until the end of summer. The flowers are very unusual: large, on long stalks, collected in large lush clusters. Male and female flowers can bloom simultaneously on the same shrub. They have a different color: male - pale pink, and female - purple-pink. This gives the liana a very bright decorative look. For the most part, fruits are formed on wild plants, and on vines grown in culture, they practically do not form or form quite rarely. The fruits are a spherical purple pod with a thick shell. When the pod ripens, it bursts at the seam, exposing the seeds that are in the sweet pulp. The pod has a bitter taste, it is used as a garnish for meat dishes. The pulp around the seed tastes like a raspberry.

You can grow creepers in the garden, on the balcony and in the apartment. At home, you can achieve almost constant flowering, almost all year round with a short dormant period. In our climate, the plant is deciduous; when grown indoors, it does not shed its foliage all year round.

Species and varieties

Akebia quintuple

Akebia pentaphyllum or five leaf or five-leafed Akebia Quinata. The most popular type. It tolerates the climate of Chinese, Japanese and Korean lands well. It is bred on the Caucasian coast of the Black Sea (Sochi, Sukhumi, Batumi, Crimea). The species got its name because of the structure of the leaf plate. It contains five leaf lobes, which in their appearance resemble an open palm. Leaf size: length - 5 cm, width about three cm. The color of the leaves is not uniform: it is dull green above and light green below. The surface of the leaves is shiny. The petioles are long - about 10 cm. The stems have a smooth surface. The shoots are 3 meters long and have a dull violet-purple color. Throughout the length of the liana, purple-brown flowers bloom, which are combined into racemose inflorescences. Flowers have a pistil and their diameter is 2.5 - 3 cm, they are monoecious. There are 2-3 of them in the inflorescence. Staminate flowers are pinkish-brown. There are 4-9 of them in the inflorescence.

Liana blooms in May. The fruits are ovoid-oblong in shape, about 6 - 8 cm long. They have a purple-violet color and are fleshy. The skin is covered with a kind of wax coating. When the fruit ripens, it opens along the seam, revealing black seeds arranged in several rows. The number of seeds is large, they are located in the pulp. The fruits ripen from September to October.

plant care

Caring for a vine at home is not much different from the actions that each plant needs. Basic principles:

• the plant will be strewn with flowers only in a light area. But it should not be under the scorching sun, as the leaves can dry out and even get burned. But the place should not be too shady either. The most acceptable option is diffused light or partial shade;
• five-leaf liana does not tolerate winds and drafts;
• in spring and summer, abundant and regular watering is required. By the beginning of winter, it is necessary to reduce the frequency of watering. It is recommended to use cold water. Liana loves spraying, but it is necessary to prevent waterlogging;
• at the end of autumn, dried and too long shoots should be pruned;
  chocolate liana needs to be fed, prefers liquid mineral fertilizers, which are mixed with water for irrigation. You can also fertilize with superphosphate by introducing it into the soil around the plant;
• when preparing the vine for winter, it must be untied and removed from the supports, insulated. This is done by covering the plant with brushwood or foliage. It is important to protect young plants from frost. When the bush freezes, it may not give growth in the new season;
• when growing five akebia at home, a bush transplant is required 2 times a year. The plant needs a container large sizes. A mixture of leafy soil and peat is suitable as a substrate;
• when creating optimal home conditions, the plant blooms all year round;
  the vine needs a support along which it will crawl, but if it is not there, then the plant will gradually become a ground cover. They can plant a fairly large area, just thanks to two or three seedlings;
• if the plant is grown climbing plant, then you need support from poles or sticks. As it grows, it is recommended to often pinch the shoots. The optimum temperature for a shrub in summer is +22 ... +24 degrees, in winter about +10 degrees.

Diseases and pests

Liana has insecticidal properties. Due to this, it resists harmful insects well and can scare them away with garden plot. Sometimes, it is exposed to fungal diseases. The most common is leaf spot. There is an explanation for this, namely, an incorrectly chosen place for planting, where there is high humidity and the proximity of groundwater. Or the gardener does not follow the rules of watering, then the plant is in a waterlogged state. There may also be no drainage layer. With this disease, whitish oval spots are visible on the leaves, which, if left untreated, quickly spread throughout the foliage. It is necessary to engage in prevention - regularly inspect the plant, remove damaged leaves. In the spring, it is recommended to treat the vine with Bordeaux mixture, foundation, and spread compost around the shrub.

Planting and reproduction

To grow vines in the country, follow these steps:

• For proper fit it is necessary to choose a sunny area, preferably where there is no direct hit of direct sun rays, as in strong sun the leaves begin to dry out. IN sunny place the shrub will bloom very profusely. If you choose a place in the shade, then the plant will be dominated by greenery;
• drainage should be provided to the soil, since stagnant water is unacceptable for the plant and even fatal. The soil itself should be light.

Landing

Planting is carried out in the spring, when the weather is warm and the night frosts have completely stopped. The plant is not too demanding on the soil. When landing, do the following:

• make a small hole with a garden tool. Thoroughly flavor it with organic matter - lay dry grass, foliage, humus on the bottom. Also add sand and peat;
• the seedling must be laid out in a hole so that the roots do not show above the ground. But it is not worth deepening the roots much, no more than 1-2 cm compared to the general level of the ground;
• after planting, the ground should be slightly compacted. Next, water the plant with warm water.

After planting, it is necessary to water the vine in time so that the plant quickly adapts and begins to grow well.

You can grow akebia at home using large pots and tubs. Conditions:

• every spring it is necessary to transplant the plant into a larger tub;
• in winter, the creeper should be provided with a place in a cool room, with a temperature of +10 degrees, watering should be reduced, top dressing should be excluded;
• at the end of winter, it is recommended to cut the longest stems;
• during active growth, it is recommended to apply complex mineral fertilizers every month;
• since the vine is very stretchy, it needs to provide support for its garter.

Reproduction methods

There are several ways to propagate a plant:

• cuttings;
• layering;
• seeds.

The collection of vine cuttings can be carried out at different times of the year. In summer - half-lignified cuttings, in spring - a little lignified, and in December with already formed aerial roots. Cuttings that are cut in the spring take a whole year to take root firmly. For this purpose, cuttings with well-swollen buds are planted in pots and grown in a cool, dark room.

most practical and effective way is reproduction by layering. They do this in April-May. A young strong shoot is selected that has grown below. Next, you need to remove all the leaves and side shoots from it. All these manipulations are done on a segment of about 30 cm below the top of the stem. An incision is made up to 2.5 cm. It is advisable to treat the layers with growth hormone for the best rooting, then pin them with wire. Then this piece of creeper is added dropwise, making an earthen mound about 8 cm. The free end of the layer is tied to a support so that it can stretch upward.

If everything is done correctly, the plant will give roots, now it will be possible to cut off the layers from the mother stem. A small bush must be planted in a pot and thoroughly moisten the ground. When the roots get stronger, young vines are planted in open ground in a permanent place.

Propagation by seeds is almost impossible to carry out, since in middle lane fruits do not ripen. In the southern regions, the probability of getting good seeds is also small. If you still manage to buy seeds, growing seedlings from them is a very time-consuming, troublesome and long process. The air temperature in the room should be +15 degrees. Shoots can appear in about 1 - 3 months, such plants begin to bloom only for 4-5 years.

Application in landscape design

Akebia pentaphyllum received the greatest use in vertical gardening. She decorates gazebos, master buildings, fences. The dark flowers of the plant look great against a light background. A creeper creeping along the ground can also plant large surfaces of the site. Small flowering shrubs go well with it: hydrangea, euonymus, honeysuckle, rhododendrons, mock oranges. It goes well with other creepers: clematis, climbing honeysuckle. Looks great against the background of grassy daylilies, hosts, wormwood.

Akebia is an exotic liana native to East Asia. She has light openwork foliage and delicious inflorescences that exude the aroma of chocolate, for which the plant received the name chocolate liana.

Large cluster-like inflorescences of akebia contain 2-3 female flowers of a delicate brown-violet color with a dark chocolate pistil at the base, and then 4-9 male flowers of purple-pink color with pink stamens are located on the same brush.

Staminate flowers have a more saturated color, but pistillate ones are larger. It blooms from mid-spring to autumn, and when grown as a houseplant, continuous flowering can be achieved.

The fruits naturally ripen in October and are blue banana-shaped berries, their flesh is edible, slightly reminiscent of raspberries in taste.

cultivation

Akebia tolerates frosts down to -20 degrees, can be cultivated in the 6th climatic zone (Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, Crimea, Western Ukraine). In cold winters, the ground part sometimes dies, but in spring new shoots appear from the roots.

In culture, only two species are used, the five-leaf akebia and the three-leaf akebia. The latter is more demanding on heat, it is common in Southern Europe. In Russia and Ukraine, only Akebia quintuple is grown, each leaf of which has five lobes with a notched top.

The plant does best in light partial shade. With strong shading, it will not bloom, and with prolonged exposure to the sun, its beautiful leaves dry out. Young shoots need to be pinched several times so that they do not become bare and give new beautiful and strong shoots.

Akebia needs light fertile soil and good drainage, as it does not tolerate stagnant water. In summer, it needs abundant watering and complex fertilizing. mineral fertilizer once every three weeks. In winter, during the dormant period, it is enough to water once a week. When grown at home, it needs to be transplanted every two years, and the pot must be large and weighty enough so that the plant does not roll it up due to the large green mass. Like, it needs support and garter on trellises, poles or stretched wire. Can be used as a groundcover on slopes.

reproduction

Akebia can be propagated by cuttings, seeds and root layers. Root layers are sprinkled with earth in the spring, and a year later, a ready-made plant with its own roots is separated. Semi-lignified cuttings are cut in spring and rooted in a substrate of sand and peat, then planted in pots and kept at a cool temperature for a whole year, and placed in a permanent place next spring. Seeds are germinated at a temperature of 15 degrees in a mini-greenhouse, seedlings appear only after 2-3 months, when they grow several true leaves, they can be planted in separate pots. They bloom only for 4 years of life.

Use in landscape design

Like any vine, akebia is used to vertical gardening. She can decorate, pergola, fences, outbuildings. Especially luxurious dark flowers look on a light background.

Next to the akebia, flowering stunted trees look great.