Akebia Quinata - Chocolate Vine, does anyone have one?

Hi

I'm thinking of investing in one of these but I don't know what size to go for, does anyone know how quickly they grow?

 

They are quite vigorous climbers and you have to buy two different plants if you want fruits.

 

Hi Yvonne , I got one latish last year as a shade climber . It just sat there not doing very much . I can see one or two little leaves this year.......hopefully it will perform this year. Totally different plant , but I bought a golden hop the year before , that sat not doing very much . I dug it up after winter ready for the bin , saw a flicker of life . Its now my favourite climber.

 

That hop looks really pretty Harry. Basis for a home brew .....
Jenny

 

Are you trying to tell that to encourage growth Harry, I have to threaten them with eviction I was looking for a shade climber when I came across this plant and I love it, lovely foliage, gorgeous flowers and really unusual fruit. Thanks for the advice Java, I will now buy two smaller plants instead of one larger one.

 

Spreads well and roots as it goes if allowed to wander along the ground. Not fully evergreen here, but it has survived the horrendous winters over the last 3 years.