August 1996
Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 25 to 30 feet
Shape: Spreading
Shiny, bright green leaves turn yellow in autumn. Fragrant, pea-like flowers bloom in clusters 8 to 36 inches long.
Zone: 4 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 4.5 to 7.0
Suggested uses for this plant include climbing vine, specimen plant, and screen (with support).
Transplant with care. Slow to
establish.
For best results, transplant in deep, moist,
well-drained loam soil.
Too much nitrogen fertilizer stimulates
vegetative growth and reduces flowering.
This vine requires a strong support.
Requires little care once established and
flowering well.
Scale insects can be a serious problem.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of WISTERIA FLORIBUNDA:
`Alba' has 11-inch racemes, moderate fragrance,
and white leaflets.
`Longissima Alba' has 15-inch racemes, good
fragrance, and white leaflets.
`Rosea' has pale-rose, purple tipped leaflets
with long, 18-inch racemes.
Related species:
W. SINENSIS (Chinese Wisteria) is a more
vigorous grower and has a blue-violet flower,
but is not as fragrant.
A fast growing vine which can be trained
into a
tree form.
Not the easiest plant to keep flowering. Steps
to induce flowering must be carefully followed.
Wisterias are excellent vines for training to
grow over patios, arbors, or pergolas.
Suitable for bonsai.
The following Extension publications are
available through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Virginia Tech
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-608, "Selecting Landscape Plants -
Ornamental Vines"
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.