Vigorous, deciduous, twining climber 9m or more in height with dark green leaves divided into leaflets, emerging coppery-bronze in spring. Lightly scented, pea-like, pale blue-mauve flowers with curled petals are produced on trusses about 30cm long, before the leaves open, and may be followed by bean-like, velvety fawn-grey seed pods 15cm long
8-12 metres
4-8 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
A large, long-lived climber so choosing the right site is important. Can be grown informally through large tree or more formally against a house wall. Will grow in most soils that are moist but well-drained in sun or part shade. See wisteria cultivation for more advice
Propagate by layering in spring, softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter, root cuttings in late winter or grafting in late winter
Prune twice a year for best results, see pruning wisteria for detailed advice
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, and scale insects including wisteria scale
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, coral spot, fungal leaf spot, virus diseases, and powdery mildews