World Plants

Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria)

Michael's Opinion

A fantastic vine that can drive many gardeners to frustration when it fails to flower, or when the flower buds are killed by late frosts. That said it is one vine I consider worth the effort and aggravation of the work required to prune it and risk the chance of loosing the blooms to frost.

Botanical Information

Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Wisteria
Species	sinensis
Category	Woody
Type	Vine
Origin	Native to China.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone	5-9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone	6
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Zone	H3-H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)	-28.9-(-1.1)
Temperature (°F)	-20-30
Height	20–30 m
Spread	3-9 m
Growth	Fast
Flowering Period	April, May, June

Description and Growing Information

Landscape	Use on a wall, fence or pergola or it can be trained to grow in a container or the garden as a standard.
Propagation	Propagated by layering and softwood cuttings.
Cultivation	An easy plant to grow given good soil. Some fools propose root pruning to encourage flowering which in my mind is idiotic. Pruning is required twice a year. In March cut current years growth back to two buds and in July cut back current seasons growth to 6 buds, of course prune to train. Do not feed or fertilize, in fact promise neglect and five years after planting it should flower. Plant on a strong support since the relationship will be long term and the limbs can obtain quite a girth.
Pests	Winter kill or branch die-back may be a problem in some areas and during some severe winters.
Notable Specimens	The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. Cotehele House National Trust, St Dominick, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens, Sissinghurst, United Kingdom.
Habitat	Found in forest edges and disturbed areas.
Leaf Description	The shiny, pinnate leaves are 10-30 cm long and feature 10-15 leaflets that are 2-6 cm long, each.
Flower Description	The raceme flower is violet, blue and white and grows 15-20 cm long.
Fruit Description	The bean-like fruits are flat, brown pods and 5-10 cm long.