There are many species of wisteria. The most popular for gardens are Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis
Wisteria sinensis
Wisteria sinensis is a species of flowering plant in the pea family, native to China, in the provinces of Guangxi, Guizhou, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Yunnan. Growing 20–30 m tall, it is a deciduous vine. It is widely cultivated in temperate regions for its twisting stems and masses of sce…
How do I choose the best wisteria for my landscape?
Here's how to select the best wisteria variety for your landscape. The name to look for on plant tags is Wisteria frutescens, commonly called American wisteria. This species is native to the southeastern U.S., and it's hardy in Zones 5-9, meaning it'll grow in most areas of the country. American wisteria can reach dazzling heights of up to 30 feet.
How many different types of wisteria are there?
There are about nine species of Wisterias in North America and eastern Asia. Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) and Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria) have far outstripped the others in popularity, at least in northern gardens, because of their profuse blooms, large flower clusters, their color variety, and fragrance.
Where does Wisteria grow in the US?
American wisteria ( Wisteria frutescens ), which grows in Zones 5 to 9. It’s native to a range of states covering Virginia to Texas, southeast to Florida and north up through New York, Iowa, and Michigan.
What is the best Wisteria to grow in Kentucky?
Another native to try is the Kentucky wisteria ( Wisteria macrostachya). It's the best choice for Northern gardeners, because it's a little more hardy than American wisteria, withstanding winters as far as Zone 3. It can grow up to 25 feet tall, and begins blooming in June.
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Which wisteria is most hardy?
'Blue Moon' is an extra-hardy cultivar of native Kentucky wisteria, with showy, silvery-blue clusters. It blooms in late spring or early summer. It's cold hardy to -40°F (-40°C).
Which wisteria grows fastest?
Japanese and Chinese Wisteria varieties are faster growing than American Wisteria varieties. Of course, any plant needs the right conditions to grow well, so choosing the right Wisteria for your climate is essential. Other things being equal; however, Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria Sinensis) is the fastest growing.
What is the best climbing wisteria?
What's the best Wisteria for walls? The best wisteria for walls is Wisteria sinensis. This is because it has shorter racemes (flower clusters) than other kinds. You'll need to provide some support for your plant, using either wires or a strong trellis fixed to the wall for it to climb.
What is the longest blooming wisteria?
Wisteria floribunda has the longest, some of its varieties having clusters 36 in. long (90 cm). Most floribunda cultivars range between 12-14 in.
What is the best time to plant wisteria?
Planting of wisteria is best done between October and April. Container grown wisterias can be planted at any time of the year, but are easier to care for in autumn or winter. Plant them in fertile, well-drained soil. Wisterias flower best in full sun so choose a south- or west-facing wall or pergola.
What is the difference between Chinese and Japanese wisteria?
Vegetative Growth Chinese and Japanese wisterias have some distinguishing vegetative differences. Chinese wisteria twines counterclockwise while Japanese wisteria twines clockwise. Leaves on Chinese wisteria can have 7–13 leaflets, although usually 11, while leaflets on Japanese wisteria range from 13 to 19.
Which wisteria is the best for flowering?
Wisteria sinensis is the best option for the walls of a house. Their racemes are typically 12 inches or less. The 'Jako' cultivar has sweet-smelling, beautiful white flowers. For the traditional purple flowers, go with 'Prolific,' which will continue to bloom throughout the summer.
Is there a wisteria that blooms all summer?
Summer or evergreen wisteria isn't really a wisteria, nor is it always evergreen. However, it does boast striking 4 to 8-inch clusters of purple and magenta blooms during the hottest months.
Which is the best wisteria to grow UK?
Which are the best varieties for planting in the UK? Wisteria sinensis from China is probably the most widely grown and popular. It was found in a garden in Canton and introduced to the UK in 1816. The other famous variety is wisteria floribunda from Japan, introduced in 1830.
Is there a difference between a wisteria tree and a wisteria vine?
No there is no botanical difference between a Wisteria vine and a Wisteria tree. “Wisteria is a deciduous twining climber native to China, Japan and eastern United States.” (Royal Horticultural Society, UK) The difference is in the training and pruning.
How tall should a wisteria trellis be?
When you are planning a wisteria trellis, search for an area where you can build a trellis that is at least 6 feet long. Doing this will accommodate its vigorous growth.
How old does a wisteria have to be to flower?
7 to 15 years oldWisteria must be 7 to 15 years old before they are old enough to bloom. The last, and least likely reason a wisteria won't bloom is over-pruning. Over-pruning will remove the flower buds. It is extremely difficult to over prune a wisteria, however.
How fast does wisteria grow in a year?
10 feet a yearWisteria can grow up to 10 feet a year, especially once it's established in the proper environment. It performs best in deep, moist, but well-drained soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline.
How fast does wisteria grow per year?
Wisteria are known to be fast growing dwarf trees pushing 3-5 feet in height per year. Expect blooms on this tree 3-5 years after being planted.
How long does it take for a wisteria to grow?
How long does wisteria take to grow? Wisteria are quick to grow – growing up to 10 feet or more a year. This makes them a wonderful choice when you are looking for garden privacy ideas or garden shade ideas, as they will be in full leaf throughout the summer months.
What is the fastest growing climbing plant?
1) Hydrangea anomala subsp petiolaris The ultimate climbing hydrangea, this self-clinging deciduous shrub can reach up to 12 metres high with a spread of up to 8 metres. More impressive is the speed at which this hydrangea can reach its final height once it gets going, often in as little as 10-12 years from planting.
What Wisteria is Best for Small Gardens?
Despite its reputation and potentially massive size, Wisteria can be a lovely addition to a small garden. You can use virtually any type of Wisteria in a small garden if you opt to train it as a standard. Even the Chinese and Japanese varieties can be tamed when you train the vine to grow into a tree shape. ( Learn how to train your Wisteria as a tree here!) If you’re lucky, you may even find a Wisteria already growing like a tree.
What Wisteria is Best for Houses?
However, the best appearance would be from a cultivar that has shorter racemes (the name for the flower bunches) rather than the very long, dangling blooms.
What Type of Wisteria Vine is Simplest to Grow?
One of the most appealing things about growing Wisteria is its vigor. Wisteria is not very picky about growing conditions, and they’re not easy to kill. That makes them good for people who have a tendency to forget to water their plants. However, there’s a difference between growing a Wisteria and getting your Wisteria to flower. While these vines are known for being eager growers, they’re also notoriously reluctant bloomers.
What Wisteria Produces the Most Flowers?
When you decide to grow a Wisteria, you should understand that you’re going to be in it for the long run. Wisteria isn’t the type of plant you can stick in the ground and start to see bloom buds in the next few months or even the next year. However, once they mature and start producing flowers, Wisteria puts on a stunning show for all to enjoy.
What Wisteria Works Best for Pergolas?
A pergola covered in the twisting vines of a mature Wisteria becomes a springtime icon when it explodes with showstopping blooms that hang down to greet onlookers. It’s a stunning sight that anyone who grows a Wisteria plant dreams of. However, you need the right type of Wisteria to get that iconic look.
How to train wisteria
Although wisteria is often seen trained along wires on a house or a wall, it can also be extremely effective grown up pergola supports or archways – especially in the case of wisterias with long racemes that are best admired without branches or foliage getting in the way – or as a standard wisteria tree up a post.
How to prune wisteria
Many people find the idea of pruning wisteria daunting but it’s not as tricky as it might seem. Pruning is essential for wisteria, not only to keep the plant’s growth in check but also to improve the chance of flower buds forming.
Wisteria floribunda f. Multijuga
Best displayed on a pergola, where its long (over 1m), pale-violet racemes can hang down free from any emerging foliage, this is one of the best wisterias available. Vigorous.
Where does wisteria grow?
Flowering occurs when the foliage is well developed, so that the blooms are hidden by the foliage. Native to the east coast from Virginia to Florida and Texas, American Wisteria, while vigorous, is less invasive than the Asian species. Today, it is not widely grown. Wisteria macrostachya - Kentucky Wisteria.
What is the beauty of wisteria?
The beauty of the pendulous racemes hanging down to form a colorful curtain of scented flowers in spring and summer, the elegant foliage, the fascinating drooping seed pods, the fall colors of most varieties and the attractive gnarled trunks and twisted branches in winter , make Wisteria one of the best ornamental vines.
How many species of wisteria are there in North America?
There are about nine species of Wisterias in North America and eastern Asia. Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) and Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria) have far outstripped the others in popularity, at least in northern gardens, because of their profuse blooms, their large flower clusters, their color variety and fragrance.
What is a Wisteria sinensis?
Wisteria sinensis - Chinese Wisteria. Vigorous climber, twining anticlockwise. Leaves with 9-13 elliptical or oval shaped leaflets, which are usually copper or bronze when young. Scented blue-violet, violet or reddish-violet flowers appearing with the leaves in dense racemes of 25-95 blooms.
How long is a Wisteria floribunda?
Wisteria floribunda has the longest, some of its varieties having clusters 36 in. long (90 cm). Most floribunda cultivars range between 12-14 in. long (30-35 cm).
How long does it take for wisteria to bloom?
Go for named varieties propagated from cuttings, buds, or grafts. They will start blooming within the first couple of years after planting. Avoid buying seedlings as they may take 10 to 20 years to bloom.
Which wisteria is best for covering a wall?
If you wish to cover a wall, while most wisterias would be effective grown in this manner, the short-racemed Wisterias would be more successful. Wisteria sinensis is the species most suitable for walls where its shortish racemes are displayed to advantage.
When do wisterias bloom?from almanac.com
Wisteria blooms vigorously in spring, producing clusters of lilac-color flowers on new growth, which in turn emerges from spurs off the main shoots. When this gorgeous vine finishes flowering (often in June), it’s time to prune! See more about caring for wisteria, from planting to pruning in our Wisteria Growing Guide.
How long does a wisteria vine grow?from almanac.com
However, this vine is a fast and aggressive grower—often reaching 30+ feet long—and is known to grow quite heavy. Wisteria vines will work their way into any crook or cranny they can ...
What happens to wisteria after it blooms?from almanac.com
After flowering, a brown, bean-like pod stays on the plant until winter. Blooms only appear on new growth. Note: Plant wisteria with caution! All parts of the wisteria plant contain substances called lectin and wisterin, which are toxic to pets, livestock, and humans.
How big do Japanese wisteria plants get?from almanac.com
They are hardy in Zones 5 to 9 and are capable of growing 30 to 60 feet in length (and beyond in the Southern U.S. ). Two common varieties of Japanese wisteria include: ‘Honbeni’ (syn. ‘Honko’): popular, bears clusters of pink flowers in late spring.
Can you grow wisteria in spring?from gardeningknowhow.com
Weight it down to secure in place and allow this to overwinter. By spring it should have enough roots for planting. Growing wisteria doesn’t have to be a hassle. With proper wisteria vine care, such as pruning and training wisteria vines, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy this beautiful plant. Printer Friendly Version.
Is wisteria invasive in the US?from hgtv.com
A far less invasive alternative to the Asian wisterias that is easier to control: American wisteria, Wisteria flutescens is a woody, deciduous climber native to low-lying areas of the southeastern United States. While still an aggressive plant, American wisteria grows only two-thirds as tall as its Asian cousins, and its racemes — or pendulous blossoms — are half as long, rounded and more compact — resembling bunches of grapes. And although for the most part its flowers don't emit the wonderfully sweet fragrance of the Asian species, this species is a repeat bloomer and — best of all — is valued for its manageability.
Can Japanese wisteria choke out trees?from hgtv.com
Japanese wisteria can girdle and kill trees and choke out the light in a forest setting. Both the Chinese and Japanese species are extremely invasive, smothering and choking out every plant in their path, yanking down trees and creating dense thickets if left unchecked.
The Japanese Wisteria
The Japanese wisteria (which has the Latin name Wisteria floribunda) is a vigorous, deciduous climbing plant, which has pinnate leaves (i.e., a leaf which is divided into smaller leaflets, which are in turn arranged on each side of the leaf’s central stalk/axis/rachis).
The Chinese Wisteria
The Chinese wisteria (which is also known as the Wisteria sinensis, and the Chinese kidney bean) is a large, deciduous climbing tree, which has twining, twisted stems, and has dark green, pinnate leaves.
The Silky Wisteria
The silky wisteria (also known as the Wisteria brachybotrys), is another kind of Chinese wisteria, and is a deciduous climbing tree, which twines anticlockwise.
The American Wisteria
Unlike other wisterias that feature on this list, the American wisteria (which has the Latin name Wisteria frutescens) is native to the Eastern region of the US, mainly growing in the Carolinas, and along the East Coast.
The Kentucky Wisteria
The Kentucky wisteria (which has the Latin name Wisteria macrostachya) is a woody, deciduous vine, native to the southeastern region of the United States.
How To Select The Right Kind Of Wisteria Plant For Your Garden?
Generally, when you’re choosing between different types of wisteria, it often boils down to their aesthetic appeal, and their commercial availability near you.
Where does wisteria grow?
It’s native to a range of states covering Virginia to Texas, southeast to Florida and north up through New York, Iowa, and Michigan.
When do wisterias bloom?
Wisteria blooms vigorously in spring, producing clusters of lilac-color flowers on new growth, which in turn emerges from spurs off the main shoots. When this gorgeous vine finishes flowering (often in June), it’s time to prune! See more about caring for wisteria, from planting to pruning in our Wisteria Growing Guide.
What happens to wisteria after it blooms?
After flowering, a brown, bean-like pod stays on the plant until winter. Blooms only appear on new growth. Note: Plant wisteria with caution! All parts of the wisteria plant contain substances called lectin and wisterin, which are toxic to pets, livestock, and humans.
How long does a wisteria vine grow?
However, this vine is a fast and aggressive grower—often reaching 30+ feet long—and is known to grow quite heavy. Wisteria vines will work their way into any crook or cranny they can ...
How big do Japanese wisteria plants get?
They are hardy in Zones 5 to 9 and are capable of growing 30 to 60 feet in length (and beyond in the Southern U.S. ). Two common varieties of Japanese wisteria include: ‘Honbeni’ (syn. ‘Honko’): popular, bears clusters of pink flowers in late spring.
How long does it take for wisteria to grow?
Wisteria can be grown from seed, but those grown from seed often take quite a few years to reach maturity and produce flowers. It's recommended to purchase established wisteria plants or start from a cutting.
What do you need to climb a wisteria vine?
Wisteria vines require a very sturdy structure to climb on, such as a metal or wooden trellis or pergola. Mature plants have been known to get so heavy that they break their supports, so plan with care and build your structure with hefty materials.
Are you wistful about wisteria after seeing a magnificent specimen of the blooming vine, but afraid it would be too invasive?
Wisteria, with its grape-like clusters of usually purple blooms, often is identified with the South. However, hardy wisteria varieties such as ‘Blue Moon’ can grow as far north as USDA Zones 3 or 4, though late frosts may freeze flower buds there.
Growing Wisteria at a Glance
Common Name: Wisteria Scientific Name: Wisteria spp. Hardiness Zone: Varies according to species Soil: Slightly acidic, moderately fertile, well draining Light: Full to partial sun Water: Medium Food: High phosphorus fertilizer Propagation: Layering, cuttings, or seeds Safety: Toxic
Wisteria Characteristics
Climbing wisteria vines can grow from 20 to 100 feet long—or as far as they are allowed to spread—and survive for 50 years or more. In spring or early summer, they produce pinnate leaves and grape-like clusters of sweet-pea-like flowers. Wisteria colors are most commonly shades of purple, but they also may be white, pink, or red.
Recommended Wisteria Varieties
American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens): This native variety grows up to 30 feet long, and it’s a larval plant host to skipper butterflies in USDA Zones 5 to 9. Cultivars such as ‘Amethyst Falls’ produce flower clusters up to 5 inches long.
Planting Wisteria
If at all possible, purchase a plant that already has bloomed, thus proving it is mature enough to do so. Make sure it is a grafted plant or one grown from a cutting, since seedlings can take 5 to 20 years to bloom.
Watering Wisteria
A wisteria plant will require an average amount of water, about 1 inch per week, to thrive. If your climate doesn’t provide enough moisture for growing wisteria, you might need to provide the equivalent yourself via irrigation or a watering can.
Fertilizing Wisteria
Wisteria plants usually grow rapidly enough without supplemental feeding and can acquire all the nutrients they need from the soil; container-grown plants might need boost.
How long does it take for wisteria to grow?
Wisteria plants can be purchased or seeds can be planted. However, remember that from seed, wisteria will take more than seven years before the first flowering. Many times, the seed-grown plants never flower at all. Something to think about if you want anything close to immediate gratification from your wisteria.
How tall does a Kentucky wisteria vine grow?
Still, give this vine a strong support. It's a perfect choice for a pergola over a patio. Plants grow 15 to 20 feet tall.
When does Cascade Wisteria bloom?
Summer Cascade Wisteria. As the name suggests, this wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya ‘Betty Matthews’) bursts into flower in summer, typically June. This is a variety of a native vine known as Kentucky wisteria, which is not as aggressive as Chinese wisteria. Still, give this vine a strong support.
Where is the Wisteria pergola?
Wisteria has graced the pergola at Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina since 1895.
When did Wisteria floribunda come to the West?
In 1830, plant explorers finally introduced the Japanese species, Wisteria floribunda to the west. In these early years only the seeds were exported from China and Japan. It is from these seeds that the first plants were grown in the west, and from that original stock many contemporary plants descend.
When do Amethyst Falls wisteria bloom?
Hardy to zone 5, ‘Amethyst Falls’ blooms its first year — unlike its Asian cousins, which can take 10 years — but typically several weeks later than the others, allowing it to bypass the threat of a late frost. And unlike other wisterias, it offers a repeat bloom in late summer or early fall.
Can Japanese wisteria choke out trees?
Japanese wisteria can girdle and kill trees and choke out the light in a forest setting. Both the Chinese and Japanese species are extremely invasive, smothering and choking out every plant in their path, yanking down trees and creating dense thickets if left unchecked.
How fast does wisteria grow?
Since wisteria is a fast growing vine that can grow 10 feet (3 m.) or more in a year, be sure to give your plant enough room to stretch out and climb.
What zone is wisteria in?
Wisteria has become a popular climbing vine for trellises, patio overhangs, fences, and buildings thriving best in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, depending on the variety. Graceful, drooping wisteria blossoms create a heady environment for courtyards, patios, and areas where summer shade is welcome.
When Should I Plant Wisteria Seeds?
Experts say wisteria seedlings can be planted outside in spring or summer if they have grown at least two sets of leaves or are 4 to 5 inches (10-13 cm.) tall. When planting, you’ll also need to be sure there are a full 45 days until the first frost is expected in your area.
How to keep wisteria blooming?
To keep a mature wisteria plant blooming, it’s best to cut the seed pods off. Left alone, the pods will ripen and you’ll have seeds shooting out several feet (about 1 m.) around the plant. Unless you want a wisteria farm, the seeds shouldn’t be allowed to sprout.
How long does it take for wisteria to grow from seed?
Although wisteria plants are fairly fast growing, if you’re looking to propagate one from seed pods, you should know that when started from seed, they can take fifteen or more years to bloom and the resulting plants don’t always hold true to the parent plant.
Where do wisteria seeds come from?
How To Grow Wisteria Seeds: Growing Wisteria From Seed Pods. A member of the pea family, the beautiful and fragrant wisteria vine is native to China ( Wisteria sinensis ), Japan ( Wisteria floribunda ), and parts of North America. The U.S. began to import wisteria in the 1800’s.
Can you grow wisteria from cuttings?
Growing wisteria from seed can be fun, however, and may produce a lovely vine that will someday produce blooms. If you want a blooming wisteria plant any time soon, it’s best to propagate one from cuttings.
