Chinese wisteria (Wister­ia sinensis) wis-TEER-ee-ah sih-NEN-sis Genus:  Wisteria Dramatic flowers with an intoxicating fragrance cover this vigorous twining climber. Its cascading flower clusters grow to about 1 foot in length and are borne in abundance, with each one on the plant blooming more or less simultaneously, in late spring. Each small flower is usually light blue mixed with white, but plants are also available in colors such as violets, whites, and pinks. It blooms before foliage emerges. Care:  Provide rich, well-drained soil with plenty of space. Wisterias 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. Problems:  Dieback, crown gall, leaf spots, virus diseases, Japanese beetles, aphids, leaf miners, scale insects, and mealybugs.

Overview

Height Over 30 ft. Spread Over 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 Late Spring, Spring Flower Color Blue, Pink, Purple, White Uses Specimen Plant/Focal Point, Trellis Style Cottage Garden, Formal Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Vines