Akebia is a voluble climbing plant not so often used in gardens, and yet what a delight to see this liana reveal its charming little purplish flowers in April! It is among the first climbing plants to flower alongside spring clematis, but it adapts very well to partly shaded spots. Native to China, there are several species of Akebia, the very classic Akebia quinata, with purple flowers, often encountered, from which come some beautiful bicolour varieties, and certain hybrids, such as Akebia × pentaphylla.
Akebia actually does not require much care, apart from training it with wires to guide it. Pruning is not essential, and is often discouraged as it tolerates it rather poorly. But you can intervene to limit its spread. This tutorial tells you everything you need to know about pruning Akebia!
Why pruning Akebia?
Akebia flowers very well without pruning. It is a perfect climbing plant for gardeners short on time! It grows slowly at first, then rapidly, and its shoots become lignified very quickly.
Pruning Akebia is only necessary in two situations:
- to reduce its span after a few years : indeed, Akebia is a liana of vigorous growth and development, quickly reaching 6 m in length, sometimes up to ten metres after ten years. It also thickens, producing dense foliage and can spread to 3 m in width when it has a suitable support. When space is limited around a pergola or trellis, it is advisable to limit its spread.
- to limit its rooting at ground level, this liana having a reputation for becoming invasive via suckers, even considered invasive in some areas. However, natural layering remains quite rare.
When to prune Akebia?
Akebia bears its flowers on shoots of the previous season, and is pruned, as with this type of plant, just after flowering. Wait until the flowers have faded, which happens in May or June, more or less early depending on region and exposure of your climber.
How to prune Akebia?
One rule: be light with the pruning shears!
- For pruning to limit its development, carry out a light clean-up :
- remove weak or superfluous shoots, and the oldest stems
- prune shoots with overly dense foliage
- if Akebia has really become too large over the years, taking up too much space around the support, contain it within its span, and do this rather in late winter by cutting all long shoots that stray too far from the support using a pruning shear.
- you can cut back to ground level one old stem out of every two every two or three years, as is done with clematis, which also helps lighten the mass of foliage to come.
- To limit direct layering at ground level, monitor creeping shoots and cut them back to ground level.
What equipment to use to prune Akebia?
- pruning shears, well sharpened and disinfected beforehand with 90% alcohol
- gloves
- a ladder if your Akebia climbs very high on its support
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