AKEBIA quinata. Fiveleaf akebia. East Asia. A lush, usually deciduous vine, with slender, purplish stems which extend as much as 30'. These are well branched and thickly clad with five-parted deep green leaves. Each leaflet is broadly oval in outline and up to 3" long. Small clusters of three-parted brownish purple flowers, pleasantly scented, decorate the plant in spring. Following these are purplish oval fruits up to 4" long. In more severe climates, the leaves turn bright yellow in fall. The cultivars ‘Alba’ and ‘Shiro Bana’ (‘Shirobana’?) are distinguished by white flowers. ‘Rosea’ has pretty pink flowers. Whatever the selection, it makes a thick, colorful cover for fences and walls and is easily trained up any framework you are willing to provide. They are easily grown in sun or light shade and most soils, with moderate to regular watering. Hardy to 0^oF or less.