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Wisteria /wɪsˈtɛriə/

Common name: Wisteria

Wisteria is a genus of vigorous, long-lived woody climbing vines in the legume family, Fabaceae, native to East Asia and North America. In spring they produce spectacular hanging cascades of fragrant, pea-like flowers in purple, pink, or white. Wisterias can live for over a century and require sturdy support and regular pruning to keep them in bounds.

Fun facts

  • Wisteria vines can live for over 100 years; some in Japan are more than 140 years old.
  • Despite looking like ornamental vines, wisterias are members of the pea and bean family.
  • Chinese wisteria twines counterclockwise, while Japanese wisteria twines clockwise.
  • All parts of the plant, especially the seeds and pods, contain toxic lectins and wisterin.

Care summary

Sun Full sun for best flowering
Water Moderate; deep watering during dry spells
Soil Fertile, moist, well-draining
Hardiness Zones 4–9
Mature height 10–20 m (33–66 ft) climbing vines
Pet safe Seeds and pods toxic to pets

Common problems

    • Prune twice yearly, summer and winter
    • Grow in full sun exposure
    • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers
    • Cut whippy shoots back in summer
    • Train main stems along sturdy supports
    • Keep growth away from rooflines
    • Improve airflow around the vine
    • Remove badly affected leaves
    • Water at the base only