Wisteria Sinensis

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Fabaceae

Order

Fabales

Genus

Wisteria

Species

sinensis

Description

Climbing shrub with large vegetative growth, first herbaceous and then woody; has abundant and very branched growth.

The stem development can be directed horizontally to form pergolas and also vertically to cover walls. It can reach considerable heights. A plant of the leguminous family, it flowers abundantly with long blossoms and different colours depending on the variety such as white, yellow, blue, purple... It flowers in early spring with a good duration of about one month, decorating terraces, balconies and gardens with its fragrant inflorescences that decorate walls, gazebos and pergolas.

Curiosities and special features

The name of the botanical genus was dedicated by the American biologist Thomas Nuttal in the 19th century to the physician Caspar Wistar, while the specific epithet sinensis derives from 'Sínae', meaning China, in reference to the plant's area of origin.

Origin and distribution

A botanical species native to central and southern China, it was introduced as an ornamental plant in Europe in the 19th century.

Leaf

The deciduous, alternate leaves have an imparipinnate, oval lamina consisting of several ovate-lanceolate leaflets with entire margins.

Leaf colour

The leaves are solid shades, in perfect colour harmony with the colour of the inflorescences. They turn ochre yellow in an elegant autumn foliage.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 10 m, depending on the growing conditions and the developed habit.

Lifespan

Deciduous Leaf perennial plant.

Where to plant

The elegance of its developed vegetative habitus as well as the uniqueness of its inflorescences make wisteria widely appreciated for adorning gardens and parks, large pots, planters, vertical walls, terraces, gazebos.

Stem

With age, the stems are woody and twisted with greyish-brown bark.

Growth

Medium to vigorous growing climbing shrub; can reach considerable heights.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is climbing. The stem can be oriented horizontally to form pergolas and also vertically to cover walls.

Branching

It is characterised byabundant branching.

PH

It requires a Soil or medium with an optimal pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun.

Abundant flowering is guaranteed in full sun conditions, less rich in half-shade although tolerated by the plant.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C. It adapts well to hot summer climates.

Use

Versatile and multifunctional, wisteria is widely used in the following areas:
Outdoor ornamental Outdoor landscape design Landscaping For cut flowers, for cut foliage

Hardiness

Highly rustic plant.

Soil

It adapts to different soil types, however, a medium-textured, moist and well-drained soil is recommended. If growing in pots, use a high-quality substrate containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Following proper planting at the new site, wisteria cultivation is easy with a low level of maintenance required.

Growing tips

Here are some useful and specific cultivation measures:
Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Ensure at least 6 hours of direct light

Planting

Transplant in early spring or mid-autumn. The wisteria plant always grows very vigorously so it is advisable to put supports on the stem to support and guide the gradual growth of the stem. It can be grown free-growing or ridged on flat espaliers or on canopies when it reaches 2 metres.

Pruning

Contain overdevelopment and guide growth in the desired space and manner. Prune every year to encourage flowering and the development of new branches in different directions. Pruning is a way of training the plant and is useful for limiting the plant in its overgrowth.

Prune the roots coming out of the pot or cultivation containers.

Wisteria, in suitable spaces, is also an excellent plant with natural spontaneous growth.

Propagation

Propagation is by grafting, layering, offshoot and cutting.

Repotting

If grown in pots, potting in larger containers every two to three years.

Watering

At transplanting, keep the soil compact in temperate conditions, ensuring constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and apply quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons.

Fertilising

In spring, distribute specific fertiliser for flowering plants evenly and not concentrated around the crown of the plant.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Abundant flowering is guaranteed in full sun conditions, less rich in half-shade, although tolerated by the plant. Prune every year to encourage flowering and the development of new branches in different directions. Pruning is a way of training the plant and useful for limiting the plant in its overgrowth. With wisteria you can have fun growing it in the desired, even unusual, spaces.