Akebia quinata Akebia Cream Form

The Akebias are climbing plants that reach a height of 6 to 8m (20 to 26ft) with semi-evergreen foliage. The leaves, which are tough, are dark green on top and blue-green underneath, turning purple in winter.

The Cream Form Akebia, less common than the Akébia quinata, produces clusters of small cream flowers with a pinkish-purple centre.

It received an award last spring at the Saint Jean de Beauregard plant festival. We love its purity and delicacy.

The Akebias, native to China and Japan, were introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century, where they were very successful. After falling out of fashion for a few decades, they are now making a comeback. The lightness of their foliage and flowering makes them suitable for growing on a hedge or a tree or alongside a climbing rose.