Wisteria with Dramatic Flower Clusters

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

Wisteria is a beautiful and popular climbing plant that produces stunning clusters of flowers in the spring and summer. One of the most striking features of wisteria is its long, pendulous racemes of flowers, which can reach up to three feet (90 cm) in length.

Wisteria with long racemes are a popular choice for those who want to create a dramatic effect in their garden. These varieties produce cascading clusters of fragrant flowers that can range from shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. The long racemes add a stunning vertical element to any garden.

When grown on a pergola, arbor, or trellis, these vines create a beautiful and enchanting canopy that is sure to impress any garden visitor.

The length of the clusters (or racemes) varies with the species, variety, and growing conditions. The same variety might produce longer or shorter clusters depending on weather and growing conditions. Moreover, the flower clusters will get longer as the plant matures and becomes well-established.

Wisteria frutescens (American Wisteria) has the shortest clusters, about 2-5 in. long (5-7 cm), thus eliminating it as a spectacular ornamental vine.
Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria) has the longest, some of its varieties having clusters 36 in. long (90 cm). Most floribunda cultivars range between 12-14 in. long (30-35 cm).

The length of Wisteria flowers is an important factor to consider when buying.

If you wish to cover a pergola, the best effect will be obtained by a vine with long racemes. Wisteria floribunda, which has the longest racemes of all the species, provides a dramatic display on garden structures such as pergolas where the racemes can hang free, unimpeded by branches or foliage.

If you wish to cover a wall, while most wisteria vines would be effectively grown in this manner, the short-racemed vines would be more successful. Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) is the species most suitable for walls where its shortish racemes are displayed to advantage.

Here is a list of cultivars organized by their raceme lengths.

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
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

Wisteria Clusters: 6-12 in. long (15-30 cm)

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 ‘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 ‘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 ‘Murasaki Noda’ (Japanese Wisteria)

Wisteria floribunda ‘Murasaki Noda’ (Japanese Wisteria) produces masses of drooping clusters, up to 10 in. long (25 cm), with fragrant, pea-like flowers, that are a combination of pale lavender and violet blue. They appear in late spring or early summer along with the leaves. The 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 fresh green, pinnate leaves which consist of 15 lance-shaped leaflets and turn golden-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 ‘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)

Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria)

Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) is a vigorous, fragrant climber with cascading mauve flower clusters up to 1 feet (30 cm) long, blooming in late spring before leaves emerge. The dark green, pinnate foliage and velvety, bean-like pods add seasonal interest, making it a dramatic and ornamental addition to any garden.

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

Wisteria Clusters: 13-18 in. long (32-45 cm)

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 floribunda ‘Geisha’ (Japanese Wisteria)

Vigorous, Wisteria floribunda ‘Geisha’ (Japanese Wisteria) produces masses of hanging clusters, up to 14 in. long (35 cm), packed with softly scented, pea-like flowers, that are a combination of white and lavender-violet. They appear in late spring or early summer along with the leaves. Equally attractive is the dense foliage of light green, pinnate leaves which consist of 13 lance-shaped leaflets. A truly beautiful deciduous twining climber.

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 ‘Kuchi Beni’ (Japanese Wisteria)

With its enchanting fragrance, Wisteria floribunda ‘Kuchi Beni’ is a remarkable Japanese Wisteria. This climber boasts long, cascading clusters, up to 18 inches in length, adorned with pale mauve-pink pea-like flowers tipped in purple. Blooming in late spring or early summer, it gives way to alluring bean-like pods. The dense foliage of light green, lance-shaped leaflets adds to its allure, turning a vibrant yellow in autumn. This vigorous climber with twining stems is truly captivating.

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 Clusters: Over 20 in. long (50 cm)

Wisteria ‘Lavender Lace’

Experience the beauty of ‘Lavender Lace’, a captivating Wisteria hybrid that enchants with its abundant blooms. Delicate racemes, up to 20 inches long, showcase 80 to 100 fragrant, pea-like flowers in shades of pale lavender to violet. This stunning display unfolds in late spring or early summer, synchronized with the emergence of lush green foliage. Following the flowers, attractive bean-like pods develop, prolonging the visual interest. The dense foliage adds to the charm, transitioning from bronze to golden-yellow in the autumn.

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 ‘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 ‘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 ‘Yae-kokuryu’ (Japanese Wisteria)

A captivating specimen, Wisteria floribunda ‘Yae-kokuryu’ (Japanese Wisteria) boasts cascades of double flowers in rich, dark purple. These exquisite blooms, up to 20 inches long, emerge in late spring or early summer amidst vibrant green foliage. Blooming sequentially from the base, they create a stunning visual impact. Following the flowers, velvety green pods develop, adding further interest. With its dense foliage and breathtaking floral display, this Japanese Wisteria is a true standout in any garden.

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

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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.