WHAT IS A WISTERIA?
Wisterias are perhaps some of the most captivating and inspiring plants in cultivation. Wisterias are perennial, deciduous climbers that put on a stunning show of pendulous, fragrant flowers up to 60cm long in spring, provide summer shade and allow light in during winter. They are true showstoppers in the garden.

Wisteria floribunda
Can be grown over a sturdy arbor, on a wall and even trained as a shurb/ small tree.
WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
Wisteria originated in East Asia but are now readily available in most countries.
They are quite popular in Australia and can be successfully grown in many Australian climates such as Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney and Perth. Wisteria can live and thrive for hundreds of years with one specimen still standing in Japan at 1200 years old. Due to their longevity, strength and beauty, wisteria are regarded as plants of wisdom and patience symbolizing immortality. The Herculean strength of the vines and their powerful presence symbolizes comfort, support and sensuality.
TYPES OF WISTERIA
There are two main types of wisteria grown in Australia: Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) and Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria).
Wisteria sinensis is perhaps the most widely grown in Australia. It prefers a full sun environment and a cold winter season to produce blooms. It climbs in counter-clockwise direction with flowers 25-30cm long that appear before the foliage develops.
Wisteria floribunda, whose name literally means ‘an abundance of flowers’ grows in a clockwise direction. This variety flowers earlier than Wisteria sinensis and with larger flowers, 30-60cm long, that appear at the same time as foliage.
There are many cultivars available within these two main types with flowers available in pink, mauve, white and varying in form and fragrance. Some other types of Wisteria are Wisteria brachybotrys (Silky Wisteria), Wisteria frutescens (American Wisteria) and Wisteria macrostachya (Kentucky Wisteria).

Wisteria sinensis – white
Such a sophisticated look, the pendulous racemes of the white Wisteria.
IN YOUR GARDEN
Wisterias generally prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade. A sheltered position will protect flower buds from frost damage. They grow in a variety of soil conditions but prefer moist, well-drained soils. It is best to avoid areas in the garden that become waterlogged or experience prolonged dryness. Once established, wisterias should only need supplementary watering during very dry periods.

Wisteria in your garden
Grow your Wisteria sinensis over a steel structure to support the future weight
Although they can be seen as a shrub or sprawling ground over, wisterias look their best when grown as a climber over some sort of structure. This could include a pergola, a wall with trellis wires, a dead tree or even an old Hills Hoist washing line! However, it is important to note that wisterias are vigorous growers and can become invasive if not properly maintained. Where possible, choose steel structures over timber and don’t let them climb nearby trees as they will kill them by shading and strangling them with their thick, heavy vines. You could even consider growing them in a pot to reduce vigor.
Home gardeners often ask, ‘why isn’t my wisteria flowering?’ In this case we usually recommend patience as wisterias can take up to 10 years to bloom although some varieties flower in as little as 3 years. Our advice is to buy a grafted version to ensure it flowers sooner.
PRUNING PERFECTION
Wisterias are one of the rare plants that require pruning twice a year, once during summer and once in late winter. Prune flowering stems back to 2 or 3 buds in winter when there are no leaves on the vine to encourage the plant to focus its energy into bigger, healthier blooms. The aim of summer pruning is to control the long, wild shoots. Cutting them back will control the size of the vine and encourage these stems to become flowering stems.
While the plant is young, it is best to focus your winter pruning on a good shaped plant rather than flowers. Aim to select one strong stem to become your main trunk and prune away any competing stems. Where the main stem branches out, spread the leading stems out in a fan shape over your structure, tying them in place rather than wrapping or twining them around. This will ensure your wisteria has a healthy and attractive form.

Wisteria floribanda
What a great start of the day with the welcoming scent of the Wisteria!
TAKE A WISTERIA WALK
The best time to see wisterias in full bloom is Spring (October in Melbourne) when their large, abundant flowers droop down from various structures to create enchanting passageways. Some places to visit are:
- Alowyn Gardens, Yarra Glen, VIC
- Burnley Gardens, University of Melbourne Burnley Campus, VIC
- Royal Botanic Garden, Adelaide, SA
NOTE: It’s important to note that parts of the wisteria plant are toxic and should not be ingested.

Wisteria walk
Get amongst it and experience a Wisteria walk like this one at Alowyn Gardens in Victoria.
If you like to learn more about the Wisteria or need advice on plants for your garden, please contact us via our Contact Form.