Akebia quinata problem

Flinster

I bought a small Akebia from the garden centre and planted it to grow along a fence. It got off to a good start when the weather warmed, but a week after planting, I moved it to replace a honeysuckle I didn’t like. Since then the top growth is turning back and leaves are dropping off! It’s east facing and gets sun until 2 ish. It isn’t dry and drainage is fine. Any ideas?

nutcutlet

has it caught a frost?

Flinster

Possibly, I haven’t noticed one but it it is possible a light frost has burnt off before I’m up. I thought they were quite hardy? I presume it will recover then?

Lizzie27

I understood that they prefer protection from cold winds. I would trim back the black leaves/stalks and just keep an eye on it. If you do get a frost forecast, fling some fleece over it.

Flinster

Thanks will do!

nutcutlet

hardy plants can have their new growth frosted. The later frosts do more damage than winter cold because the new growth is so delicate