Wisteria sinensis 'ALBA' Chinese wisteria

Chinese wisteria is no doubt the queen of flowering climbers. Alba variety bears clusters of very fragrant, pure white flowers that are 25-35 cm long and appear on bare wood earlier than on other wisterias, usually in April. Rather exotic looking pinnate leaves are mid green and densely cover the plant and its support. It usually offers second blooming in early summer when in full leaf.

Wisteria flowers mainly on short spurs so cut back unwanted side branches to 2-3 buds to encourage formation of flowering spurs.

Climbing wisteria needs a good support like a trellis, strong fence or a similar construction. It needs moist, acidic soil. Young plants require a sheltered place, but mature plants (with a stem) are fully hardy to min. -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 26-01-2009; 19-01-2013