Vigorous East Asian semi-evergreen climber with palmate leaves and unusual chocolate-scented dark purple flowers in spring. Edible (in the right region) pale-purple sausage-shaped fruit if both sexes pollinate.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 5–9 | −28.9 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H6 | −20 °C to −15 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 6–8 | −18 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–5 | −10 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Plant against pergolas, trellises, and large fences — fast-growing and densely leafy
- Distinct chocolate fragrance in flower — strongest in cool spring mornings
- WARNING: Listed INVASIVE in parts of the eastern United States (banned in some states) — escapes gardens to smother native woodland understorey, do not plant in eastern North America
- Within Europe and Australia (where it is not invasive), a useful evergreen climber
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Chocolate vine against your zones