Favorite Wisteria Varieties

Chinese Wisteria, Japanese Wisteria, Silky Wisteria, Wisteria sinensis, Wisteria floribunda, Wisteria brachybotrys

The beauty of the pendulous racemes hanging down to form a colorful curtain of scented flowers in spring and summer, the elegant foliage, the fascinating drooping seed pods, the fall colors of most varieties, and the attractive gnarled trunks and twisted branches in winter make Wisteria one of the best ornamental vines.

Most gardeners are unaware of the wide range of characteristics offered by Wisteria species and their cultivars in terms of bloom season, fragrance, length of flower clusters (racemes), flower colors, and fall foliage.

If you are not sure which species or cultivar to select for your garden, you may review our article on how to chose Wisteria varieties. Alternatively, you may want to take a look at the list below of the most popular Wisterias. All of them have been rewarded with prestigious awards.

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 8
Climate Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Climbers
Genus	Wisteria
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Maintenance	High
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics	Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance	Drought, Deer
Attracts	Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas	Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Wall-Side Borders, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Favorite Wisteria Varieties

Wisteria ‘Burford’ (Japanese Wisteria)

Revel in the delightful fragrance of Wisteria ‘Burford’ (Japanese Wisteria), a renowned climber that captivates with its long-lasting beauty. Cascades of pea-like flowers in enchanting shades of lilac-blue and deep purple adorn this deciduous vine in late spring or early summer. The blooms emerge in succession, creating a magnificent floral spectacle. Following the flowers, attractive bean-like pods develop, adding further interest. The dense foliage of bright green leaves, which transition from bronze to golden-yellow in fall, completes the allure of this exceptional Wisteria.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	13' - 25' (4m - 7.6m)
Spread	13' - 25' (4m - 7.6m)

Wisteria ‘Caroline’ (Japanese Wisteria)

Blooming earlier than most other wisteria varieties, Wisteria ‘Caroline’ is a deciduous climber with beautiful tresses, 6-12 in. long (15-30 cm), of wonderfully fragrant, pea-like, lilac-blue flowers. Blooming in late spring or early summer, the racemes bloom more or less simultaneously, producing a dramatic floral display. The large flowers are followed by attractive, bean-like pods, which ripen in late summer and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the dense foliage of bright green, pinnate leaves with usually 11 leaflets which emerges gray-green and turns golden-yellow in fall.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	13' - 30' (4m - 9.1m)
Spread	13' - 25' (4m - 7.6m)

Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Murasaki-Kapitan’ (Silky Wisteria)

Highly scented, Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Murasaki-Kapitan’ is an excellent vigorous climber blooming early in the season. It produces pretty hanging sprays, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), packed with 35-47, pea-like, blue-violet flowers. Blooming in late spring or early summer, they produce a dramatic floral display. The flowers are followed by attractive, large, velvety, bean-like pods, which ripen in late summer and may persist into winter. Particularly attractive is the dense foliage of exotic-looking, fresh green, pinnate leaves which turn soft yellow in fall.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 25' (3m - 7.6m)
Spread	4' - 20' (120cm - 6.1m)

Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Okayama’ (Silky Wisteria)

Indulge in the captivating fragrance of ‘Okayama’, an award-winning Wisteria brachybotrys variety. Adorned with cascading sprays of pale lilac, pea-like flowers, each petal boasting a striking white spot, this Wisteria blooms early in the season. Following the flowers, velvety bean-like pods develop, adding further interest. The dense foliage of exotic-looking, pale green leaves, composed of 11 downy leaflets, transforms into a radiant golden-yellow in autumn. This exquisite climber is perfect for gracing house walls or large pergolas.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Shiro-Kapitan’ (Silky Wisteria)

Experience the captivating fragrance of ‘Shiro-Kapitan’, an award-winning Wisteria brachybotrys variety. This stunning climber showcases cascades of snow-white, pea-like flowers adorned with a vibrant yellow spot. Blooming simultaneously in late spring or early summer, the flowers create a mesmerizing display. Velvety, bean-like pods follow, adding further allure. The dense foliage of exotic-looking, fresh green leaves, composed of 11 downy leaflets, completes the picture of this remarkable Wisteria.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 40' (3m - 12.2m)
Spread	4' - 30' (120cm - 9.1m)

Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Showa-Beni’ (Silky Wisteria)

Marvel at the foliage and enchanting scent of ‘Showa-Beni’, an award-winning Wisteria brachybotrys variety. Its cascading sprays bear fragrant, pea-like flowers in captivating shades of pink and white, adorned with a vibrant yellow spot. Blooming simultaneously in late spring or early summer, these larger-than-average blooms create a spectacular display. Velvety, bean-like pods follow, adding visual interest. The dense foliage of exotic-looking, fresh green leaves with 11 downy leaflets further enhances its allure. Experience the beauty of Silky Wisteria, which flowers in its first year after planting.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 40' (3m - 12.2m)
Spread	4' - 30' (120cm - 9.1m)

Wisteria floribunda ‘Alba’ (White Japanese Wisteria)

This famous Wisteria variety can be admired on the Japanese Bridge, in Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France. Wisteria floribunda ‘Alba’ is a beautiful white-flowered Japanese Wisteria with very long clusters, up to 24 in. long (60 cm), of pea-like, fragrant white flowers. They appear in late spring or early summer when the leaves open. They bloom in succession from the base and produce a dramatic floral display. The flowers are followed by attractive, velvety, green, bean-like pods, which ripen in fall and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the dense foliage of light green, pinnate leaves which turn yellow in fall.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Wisteria floribunda ‘Domino’ (Japanese Wisteria)

Renowned for its beauty, Wisteria floribunda ‘Domino’ is an award-winning Japanese Wisteria. This deciduous climber showcases cascading clusters, up to 8 inches long, boasting fragrant, pea-like flowers in a captivating blend of pale lilac and deep violet with a yellow spot. Blooming in late spring or early summer, these blooms are succeeded by appealing bean-like pods. The lush foliage of fresh green leaves, composed of lance-shaped leaflets, adds to its allure, turning golden-yellow in autumn.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	6' - 20' (180cm - 6.1m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Wisteria floribunda ‘Lawrence’ (Japanese Wisteria)

Renowned for its enchanting pale blue flowers, Wisteria floribunda ‘Lawrence’ is a highly regarded Japanese Wisteria cultivar. Its long cascades of sweetly scented, pea-like blooms in a beautiful pale blue-violet hue create a stunning display. With abundant flowers, attractive foliage, and lovely fall color, it is an exceptional choice for any garden.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Wisteria floribunda ‘Macrobotrys’ (Japanese Wisteria)

Admired for its fragrance and profuse blooms, Wisteria floribunda ‘Macrobotrys’ or ‘Multijuga’ (Japanese Wisteria) presents long clusters of lilac, pea-like flowers with dark violet accents. These fragrant blooms, up to 40 inches (1 meter) in length, appear in late spring or early summer, accompanied by lush green leaves that turn yellow in fall. A striking climber for any garden.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Wisteria floribunda ‘Rosea’ (Pink Japanese Wisteria)

Famed for its delightful scent, Wisteria floribunda ‘Rosea’ (Pink Japanese Wisteria) showcases long cascades of pale rose, pea-like flowers with purple tips. These fragrant blooms, reaching up to 24 inches in length, appear in late spring or early summer, accompanied by lush green foliage. Following the flowers, attractive bean-like pods develop and can linger into winter. With its dense, dark green leaves and captivating blooms, this Pink Japanese Wisteria is a truly enchanting and captivating addition to any garden.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 25' (3m - 7.6m)
Spread	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Wisteria floribunda ‘Royal Purple’ (Japanese Wisteria)

Celebrated for its rich purple flowers, Wisteria floribunda ‘Royal Purple’ is a captivating Japanese Wisteria cultivar. Its long clusters of sweetly scented, pea-like violet blooms create a stunning spectacle. With attractive foliage that turns vibrant golden-yellow in the fall, it is a remarkable choice for adding beauty to any garden.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Wisteria floribunda ‘Violacea Plena’ (Japanese Wisteria)

Renowned for its exquisite double flowers, Wisteria floribunda ‘Violacea Plena’ is a captivating Japanese Wisteria cultivar. Its cascading clusters of lightly scented, violet-blue blooms create a stunning display. Complemented by dense foliage of bright green, lance-shaped leaflets that turn brilliant butter-yellow in the fall, this Wisteria is a true show-stopper.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Wisteria sinensis ‘Jako’ (Chinese Wisteria)

Noted for its exceptional fragrance, award-winning Wisteria sinensis ‘Jako’ (Chinese Wisteria) is a deciduous climber with intensively fragrant clusters, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), of pea-like, white flowers. They appear in late spring or early summer before the leaves open. Since they bloom more or less simultaneously, they always produce a dramatic floral display. The flowers are followed by attractive, velvety, green, bean-like pods, which ripen in fall and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the dense foliage of fresh green, pinnate leaves along the twining stems. Flowering very early in the season and often in the first year, this Chinese Wisteria is a plant of great beauty.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m)
Spread	10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m)

Wisteria sinensis ‘Prolific’ (Chinese Wisteria)

Sweetly fragrant, Wisteria sinensis ‘Prolific’ (Chinese Wisteria) is a free-flowering deciduous climber, producing masses of pendulous clusters, up to 1 ft. long (30 cm), packed with scented, pea-like, blue-violet blossoms. Appearing before the leaves in late spring to early summer, they bloom repeatedly during the summer. They are followed by attractive, velvety, bean-like pods, 6 in. long (15 cm), which ripen in the fall and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the foliage of light green, pinnate leaves which consist of 7 to 13 leaflets. ‘Prolific’ often flowers from a young age.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m)
Spread	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

How To Choose The Right Wisteria

Most Fragrant Wisteria

Wisteria with Dramatic Flower Clusters

Wisteria Varieties for Small Gardens

Wisteria with Attractive Fall Foliage

Wisteria with Remarkable Flower Colors

Best Wisteria for Pergolas

Best Wisteria for Walls

Wisteria: Plant Care and Growing Guide

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.