Wisteria floribunda Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) wis-TEER-ee-ah floor-ih-BUN-dah Genus:  Wisteria Dramatic clusters of blue-violet to red-violet flowers with an intoxicating fragrance grace this vigorous twining climber. Its springtime cascading flower clusters can grow to 3 feet long or more in some cultivars. Blooms typically open first at the base and last at the tip of each cluster. Trunk diameter can reach 7 to 8 inches after 20 years, and the plant can climb to 35 or more feet in height, though its size is easily contolled by pruning. Care:  Provide rich, well-drained soil with plenty of space. Wisteria needs strong support and can be trained as a tree, vertically on a wall or arbor, or horizontally on the ground. Growth can be restricted to a few limbs or allowed to spread vigorously to completely cover a wall. Early blooms can be damaged by freezing temperatures. Prune as needed when growth is active, but ideally in early, mid- and late summer. Can be difficult to get to bloom. Propagation:  Not practical for most home gardeners. Problems:  Dieback, crown gall, leaf spots, viral diseases, Japanese beetles, aphids, leaf miners, scale insects, and mealybugs.

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Fast Grower, Invasive/Aggressive Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Hummingbirds, Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Blue, Purple Uses Specimen Plant/Focal Point, Trellis Style Cottage Garden, Formal Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Vines