Wisteria

Wisteria sinensis

Wisteria in full bloom is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of gardening — cascading clusters of fragrant flowers up to 3 feet long, dripping from pergolas, arbors, and trees like a living waterfall. It's aggressive and needs strong support, but when trained correctly, nothing else comes close to its spring spectacle. Choose American wisteria (W. frutescens) in areas where Chinese/Japanese types are invasive.

Hardiness Zones

5-9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Maintenance

High

Mature Size

20-30 ft H × 8-15 ft W

Growth Rate

Fast

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom Color

Lavender, Purple, White, Pink

Care Guide

Plant in full sun for maximum bloom. Provide extremely strong support — mature wisteria can collapse flimsy structures. Prune twice yearly: in summer (cut back whippy growth to 6 inches) and winter (cut those same shoots to 2-3 buds). Root prune if it won't bloom. Water young plants; drought tolerant when mature.