Akebia can be overly enthusiastic and for this reason you can cut it back to within three feet of the ground (really - I know it sounds harsh) but only if wait until early spring, about the time the daffodils bloom. You really can't go wrong as long as don't prune this vine in late fall or in the middle of winter. The vines that grow over an arbor on the side of my house get a good haircut every spring just after they finish blooming. That way I get to enjoy lots of flowers (and the flowers are very unusual with their ball shaped buds) but then I have a tidy vine the rest of the summer. Thank you for sending in a question that many gardeners have right now - winter pruning! Just remember that somewhat tender plants like Akebia, hebe, hardy fuchias and some clematis should not be pruned until spring. Fruit trees, hardy shrubs and evergreens can be pruned this month.