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Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria)

Chinese Wisteria, Chinese Kidney Bean

Wisteria Sinensis,Chinese Wisteria,Fragrant Vine, Fragrant Shrub, Purple Flowers, Lavender Flowers

Sweetly fragrant, Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) is a large deciduous climber with twining stems that is prized by gardeners for its vigorous habit, beauty, and sweet fragrance. Masses of drooping clusters, up to 1 ft. long (30 cm), of scented, pea-like, mauve flowers appear in late spring before the leaves. Since they bloom more or less simultaneously, they always produce a dramatic floral display. The flowers are followed by attractive, velvety, bean-like pods, 6 in. long (15 cm), which ripen in fall and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the foliage of dark green, pinnate leaves, which consist of 7 to 13 leaflets about 3 in (7 cm) in length.

Chinese Wisteria can be invasive in warm climates and may displace native vegetation or kill trees and shrubs by girdling them.

  • A large, long-lived climber, Chinese Wisteria can grow vigorously up to 40 ft. (12 m). It climbs by twining anticlockwise (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 through a large tree or more formally against a house wall, arbors, pergolas, trellises, or fences, or trained as a free-standing half standard in a container. 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 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 sinensis species is native to temperate Asia, China.
  • 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.

Wisteria: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Want to learn how to grow and care for wisteria like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of this striking plant

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 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 Leguminosae
Genus Wisteria
Common names Wisteria, Chinese Wisteria
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 10' - 40'
(3m - 12.2m)
Spread 4' - 30'
(120cm - 9.1m)
Maintenance High
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Wall-Side Borders, Walls And Fences
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria)
Wisteria frutescens (American Wisteria)
Wisteria floribunda ‘Lawrence’ (Japanese Wisteria)
Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Murasaki-Kapitan’ (Silky Wisteria)
Wisteria floribunda ‘Murasaki Noda’ (Japanese Wisteria)
Wisteria ‘Caroline’ (Japanese Wisteria)

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Wisteria with Dramatic Flower Clusters
Favorite Wisteria Varieties
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
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 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 Leguminosae
Genus Wisteria
Common names Wisteria, Chinese Wisteria
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 10' - 40'
(3m - 12.2m)
Spread 4' - 30'
(120cm - 9.1m)
Maintenance High
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Wall-Side Borders, Walls And Fences
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Wisteria
Guides with
Wisteria
Not sure which Wisteria to pick?
Compare Now

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