Wisteria floribunda

Japanese Wisteria
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Deciduous, Vines

WISTERIA

Wisteria are twining, woody vines of great size, long life, and exceptional beauty in flower. Very adaptable; can be grown as trees, shrubs, or vines. All have large, fresh green leaves divided into many leaflets, spectacular clusters of blue, white, or pinkish springtime blossoms, and velvety, pealike pods to about 6 in. long. Subdued fall color in shades of yellow. To get off to a good start, buy a cutting-grown or grafted wisteria; seedlings may not bloom for many years. If you start with grafted plants, keep suckers removed or they may take over. Wisteria is not fussy about soil, but it does need good drainage. In alkaline soil, watch for chlorosis.

Wisteria floribunda

Leaves are 12–16 in. long, divided into 15–19 leaflets. Fragrant, 1/2 -ft. clusters of violet or violet-blue flowers during leafout. Clusters open gradually, starting from the base; this prolongs bloom season but makes for a less spectacular display of color than that provided by W. sinensis. Many varieties in white, pink, and shades of blue, purple, and lavender, usually marked with yellow and white.