Wisteria
(Pro - nun - see - ashun )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of deciduous vines needs full sun and little to moderate water. The flowers will attract butterflies to your yard. They are woody vines that are long-lived and beautiful when in bloom. All have green leaves and drooping clusters of blossoms that can come in white, blue, purple, or pink. Fall color is usually yellow.
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Wisteria Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Wisteria vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Wisteria brachybotrys (Wisteria venusta) (Silky Wisteria) This species grows well in zones 3-24 and is native to Japan. Leaves are green and silky, and white flowers are very fragrant. Varieties include 'Shiro Kapitan' ('Alba'; commonly sold variety with white flowers with yellow markings; flowers are sometimes double), and 'Murasaki Kapitan' ('Violacea'; with blue-purple blossoms that have white markings). |
Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) This species of Wisteria is best in zones 3-24 and is native to China. This is a very commonly grown Wisteria across the United States. Flowers appear before leaves do on this vine, nearly all at once. They are violet-blue and slightly fragrant. Can bloom in sun or shade. Varieties include 'Alba' (with white flowers) and 'Prolific' (flowers appear at an early age). |
Caring for Wisteria
The best start you can give your Wisteria is to purchase one that is a cutting-grown or grafted type. This will give you a head-start and create more likely circumstances that your plant will bloom in the first year. Take care in establishing the form you want when the plant is young: multi-trunk or single, and frequently remove growth that is not growing towards that end. If your plant only has one stem, pinch it back to encourage new, bushier growth. Prune blooming plants each wintertime when the plants are in their dormant stage by cutting back or thinning out side shoots. In summer, cut back long streamers before they tangle with the main body of the plant.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 655, Wisteria
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