Overview

Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' is a vigorous climber woody twining vine in the genus Wisteria, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous, pinnate leaves foliage. It typically grows around 25.0 m tall. Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include climbing plant and ornamental vine. It is native to China.

About

Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' is a cultivar of Wisteria, a genus of woody twining vines in the legume family Fabaceae. This cultivar can reach a height of up to 25 metres and thrives in full sun. It prefers moist but well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay types. Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' is hardy in the UK, rated H7, making it suitable for a range of garden settings.

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

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Full sun

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

woody twining vine

Habit

Vigorous climber

Foliage

Deciduous, Pinnate leaves

Height

25.0 m

Suggested uses

climbing plant, ornamental vine

Native to

China

Fragrance

Fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Wisteria sinensis 'Alba'

Cultivation

Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Supports or trellis needed for climbing. Regular watering during dry periods.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to control size and shape; summer pruning may be done to encourage flowering.

Propagation

Propagation by softwood cuttings, layering, or grafting.

Pest resistance

Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite, Wisteria scale

Disease resistance

Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot, Coral spot, Fungal leaf spot, Virus diseases, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

From the Fenn Plants journal

• Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
• Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
• Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.

More in the Wisteria genus

• 
  Wisteria sinensis Maria ('Minwigb01'PBR) (Grande Diva Series)Chinese wisteria [Maria]