Vigorous Japanese twining climber with longer pendant flower racemes (up to 1 m) than Chinese wisteria, opening progressively from base to tip. The wisteria of the great Japanese tunnel and arbour plantings.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How 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 5–8 | −23 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–5 | −10 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Plant on substantial overhead pergolas, arbours, and bridges — long pendant flower racemes are shown to best effect when seen from underneath, hence the classic Japanese tunnel plantings
- Distinct from the Chinese wisteria already in the database (W. sinensis) — Japanese wisteria has longer racemes, opens progressively rather than all at once, and twines clockwise (Chinese is anticlockwise)
- WARNING: All parts toxic — seeds especially attractive to children and can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, do not plant in handling positions
- Demands strong overhead support — old plants are heavy and can collapse weak structures
Pet caution: Japanese 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 Japanese wisteria against your zones