Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) — Climbing

Overview

Wisteria sinensis is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Wisteria, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Wisteria sinensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include walls, pergolas, arches and fences. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central and China Southeast.

About

Wisteria sinensis, commonly known as the Chinese wisteria, is a species of flowering plant in the pea family, native to China, in the provinces of Guangxi, Guizhou, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Yunnan. Growing 20–30 m (66–98 ft) tall, it is a deciduous vine. It is widely cultivated in temperate regions for its twisting stems and masses of scented flowers in hanging racemes, in spring. Mature plants reach roughly Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wisteria sinensis

About the genus

Wisteria is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae (Leguminosae). The genus includes four species of woody twining vines that are native to China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, southern Canada, the Eastern United States, and north of Iran. They were later introduced to England, France, Germany and various other countries in Europe.

Wikipedia contributors, "Wisteria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wisteria

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Wisteria

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Wisteria sinensis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Climber Wall Shrub
Habit: Climbing
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: Higher than 12 metres
Spread: wider than 8 metres
Time to full height: 10-20 years
Suggested uses: Walls, pergolas, arches, fences
Native to: China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast
Fragrance: Strongly fragrant, sweet scent

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Wisteria sinensis

Cultivation: Requires support for climbing, benefits from regular watering during dry periods, tolerates urban pollution
Pruning: Prune after flowering to control size and shape, remove dead or weak growth in late winter
Propagation: Softwood cuttings, layering, seeds
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Wisteria sinensis?

Requires support for climbing, benefits from regular watering during dry periods, tolerates urban pollution.

Where is the best place to plant Wisteria sinensis?

Wisteria sinensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Wisteria sinensis need?

Wisteria sinensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Wisteria sinensis?

Prune after flowering to control size and shape, remove dead or weak growth in late winter.

How big does Wisteria sinensis grow?

Wisteria sinensis reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.

Is Wisteria sinensis hardy in the UK?

Wisteria sinensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Wisteria sinensis?

Softwood cuttings, layering, seeds.