Alphabetical Plant Listing

Wisteria: Plant Care and Growing Guide

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


What is Wisteria?

Wisteria is a genus of deciduous, flowering vines in the pea family. Native to East Asia and the United States, it is prized for its wonderfully fragrant, cascading clusters of flowers.

Main species: The most commonly grown species are the Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), the Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), and the American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), which is native to the southeastern United States.

Hardiness: Wisteria vines are hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Flowers: Wisteria flowers come in a range of colors, including white, pink, lavender, purple, and blue, with some cultivars exhibiting multiple colors. The flowers may bloom in clusters up to 40 inches (1 meter) long.

Fragrance: The plant is known for its fragrant and enchanting blooms. The fragrance can vary depending on the species and cultivar, but in general, the scent is sweet and slightly musky. Some wisteria flowers have a stronger fragrance than others.

Bloom time: This vine blooms in the spring or early summer, depending on the climate and location.

Foliage: The leaves are green, compound, and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. As the days get shorter and cooler, the foliage of some wisteria begins to turn shades of yellow, gold, and bronze.

Height: Wisterias typically grow up to 10-30 feet (3-9 meters) and have a spread of around 10-20 feet (3-6 meters). Find the right wisteria for your garden.

Uses: Wisteria can be grown in a variety of settings, from trellises and arbors to walls and pergolas. Its long, flowing branches and fragrant blooms make it a popular choice for creating shady, romantic garden spaces. It can also be used to cover unsightly structures, such as walls, fences, and buildings.

Deer: Wisteria is generally not a preferred food source for deer, as it contains toxic compounds that can make them sick.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 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
Plant Family Wisteria
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
Compare All Wisteria Great Plant Combination Ideas with Wisteria Guides with Wisteria

Mueller Ekaterina, Shutterstock

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.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 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
Plant Family Wisteria
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
Compare All Wisteria Great Plant Combination Ideas with Wisteria Guides with Wisteria

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