Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria)

Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria) is a vigorous deciduous climber boasting masses of drooping clusters, 12 in. long (30 cm) or more, with fragrant, violet to violet blu pea-like flowers. 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.

• A long-lived climber, this Japanese Wisteria can grow vigorously up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m). It climbs by twining clockwise (from left to right around the axis).
• Thrives in full sun or part shade, in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant. Best flower production is obtained in full sun.
• Can be grown against a house wall, arbors, pergolas, trellises, fences, or trained as a free-standing half standard. It must be sited and trained on sturdy structures which will be able to support the heavy weight of the mature Wisteria. Grow this plant around patios where the flowers can be enjoyed.
• Susceptible to foliage-chewing insects and fungal diseases, but none are significant. Deer resistant
• Needs regular pruning in order to control the size and shape of the plant and to promote flowering.
• Propagate by layering, softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, or grafting. Choose sites wisely because plants dislike being transplanted.
• All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Wisteria floribunda species is native to temperate Asia, Japan.
• Japanese Wisteria is found invasive in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern U.S. This hard woody vine can twine tightly around host tree trunks and branches and cut through bark, causing death by girdling. On the ground, new vines germinating from seed or sprouting from rootstocks form dense thickets that smother and shade out native vegetation and impede natural plant community development.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• If you love the spectacular beauty of wisteria, the native American species, Wisteria frutescens, is a great alternative. It is less invasive than its Asian cousins and much less likely to get out of control.