I have a line of 20 Akebia (interspersed with 20 Honeysuckle) for a fence treatment, planted this spring. About two-thirds are on a slope, starting mild and ending moderate, plus there is full sun for the lower part and mixed shade in the upper part. I water very carefully, one plant at a time, dribbling. Extra water has not helped (nor hurt) the "lower" Akebia. I don't know what type of Akebia, and they did not flower this first year.

The Akebia under the shade are doing fantastic; leaves look nice and green, no damage, and lots of growth. The ones in the sun are yellow-ey, have brown spots, and just don't grow as well (with some of new growth dying). I increased the water, and that did not help the hurting Akebia, but it did spur more growth in the healthier ones. There is no difference in the top soil along the fence. The picture below shows the new growth not happy (not the brown spotted ones). Note the new growth right in the center of the post, hanging strait down and purple-ish. Any advice?