Choosing a Wisteria to Grow in Your Garden
Popular Climbers Coming in Many Species, Varieties, Sizes and Shades
May 18, 2009
Wisteria is one of the most popular and spectacular of all climbing plants. They have a vigorous, twining habit and need plenty of room and strong support. Some varieties may grow to a height of 50 feet, but others will reach only 25 to 30 feet and are suitable for a small garden or a more confined location.
All wisterias have sumptuous trailing heads of flower, each composed of masses of pea shaped florets. These appear in May and early June before the feathery multi-lobed light green leaves. The blossom, fragrant in most varieties, is generally blue, but some species have white, pink, lavender or even purple flower.
The species and varieties of wisteria which can be found in most good nurseries, or plant centres are listed below.
Wisteria Floribunda (Japanese Wisteria)
Introduced to England from japan in 1830. Height up to 30 feet. The trailing heads of flower which may be 12 inches or more long normally appear in May, along with the first pale to mid green pinnate leaves, each of which has 11-19 leaflets. Varieties include:
- Wisteria floribunda Alba. Long pointed trusses of white flowers with a violet tinge.
- Wisteria floribunda Issai (Domino). Lilac-blue flowers. Unlike most wisteria Issai may flower after only 2 years.
- Wisteria floribunda Kuchi Beni (Peaches and Cream). Pink and white flowers.
- Wisteria floribunda Multijuga. Pale mauve flowers.
- Wisteria floribunda Rosea. Pink flowers.
- Wisteria floribunda Snow Showers. Pure white flowers.
- Wisteria floribunda violacea plena (Black Dragon Double). The only truly double wisteria, with deep purple flowers.
Wisteria x Formosa
Believed to be a hybrid of Wisteria floribunda and Wisteria sinensis. Height up to 30 feet. It has particularly fragrant violet flowers in trailing heads 10-12 inches long. These appear at the same time as the leaves, which normally consist of 13 leaflets.
Wisteria Sinensis (Chinese Wisteria)
Wisteria sinensis originated in China and was came to Europe in 1816 when it was introduced in England. It is the fastest growing and most vigorous form with a height of up to 50 feet. The drooping 6-12 inch heads of slightly fragrant blue -violet flower appear before the mid green leaves. Varieties include:
- Wisteria sinensis Alba. White flowers.
- Wisteria sinensis Caroline. Lilac and purple flowers. Particularly strongly scented.
- Wisteria sinensis Prolific. Lilac coloured flowers. Very free flowering, beginning in the first or second year, and sometimes repeating I June and July.
Cultivation
Growing wisterias is generally quite easy, but careful pruning is important in the first two or three years , both to establish a good framework and to encourage flowering.
Other Flowering Climbers
Other ornamental climbers to consider alongside wisteria are clematis and honeysuckle.
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