Wisteria

Wisteria sinensis

Vigorous deciduous climber with cascading fragrant lavender flowers in spring. Needs strong support.

Hardiness ratings

Wisteria hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 5–9 −28.9 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H6 −20 °C to −15 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 5–9 −23 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 2–5 −10 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

About Wisteria

Wisteria is extremely long-lived and extremely vigorous, capable of pulling down guttering and lifting roof tiles given time, and it is one of the few garden climbers that genuinely requires a substantial permanent structure. Chinese and Japanese wisterias twine in opposite directions — a reliable way to tell them apart. Plants raised from seed are notorious for taking many years to flower and may never do so satisfactorily, which is why grafted or cutting-raised plants are recommended. The twice-yearly pruning regime exists to concentrate the plant into flowering spurs rather than growth.

Growing notes

  • Aggressive growth — site away from gutters and pipes
  • Slow to flower in deep shade

Pet caution: Wisteria is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Wisteria against your zones

Reference

Wisteria on Wikipedia