Akebia longeracemosa Clone 1

A collection from N. Taiwan. This makes a vigorous twining climber with semi-evergreen leaves composed of 5 slim leaflets. The blackish-maroon flowers are borne in spectacular pendulous racemes to 15cm long in spring. Grow more than one clone or species for a good set of purplish sausage shaped fruits in autumn. A generally hardy species surviving unscathed here at -14c, though can be cut back hard by similar temps, returning from the base with vigour. Sun or semi-shade.