Life’s burdens feel easier when we’re surrounded by beauty. Passing through this arch on the way to our veggie garden never fails to fill me with thankfulness.

Akebia quinata is a problem-free perennial vine here at Coppertop. We have two plants of the white flowering variety, so if going by their common name of chocolate vine, ours would be white chocolate.

One vine blankets this arch, bordered by climbing hydrangeas, and the other is taking off on the black arches nearer to the house.

Their fragrance is outstanding and strengthening! Right now they’re blooming, and it’s a joy to breathe deeply while passing beneath or nearby.

Reglar pruning is essential for this quick grower that can reach 20-40′ with its twining vines.