How to prune akebia quinata

Immediately after flowering, late spring to early summer. Thin out one in three of the oldest stems at the base each year. Shorten overlong shoots back to the main framework. For renovation, cut all growth back to 60 cm from the ground in spring.

Annually after flowering; hard renovation as needed every 4–5 years. Akebia quinata (chocolate vine) is a vigorous semi-evergreen twiner that can become invasive if left unpruned. Prune after flowering in late spring or early summer — remove overcrowded stems and shorten long shoots. If it has outgrown its space, cut back hard in spring; it regenerates reliably but hard pruning in summer risks sacrificing some flowers.

Thin out one in three of the oldest stems at the base each year. Shorten overlong shoots back to the main framework. For renovation, cut all growth back to 60 cm from the ground in spring.