Wisteria sinensis (Chinese): Feature Spring Flowering Tree

Wisteria sinensis (Chinese)

I started this Chinese Wisteria about fifteen years ago as a series of narrow vines that I had woven together and staked until they grew into a significant  trunk that no longer needed support.  Today this beautiful Wisteria is a focal point in my backyard garden.  Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis 'Chinese') is a deciduous tree hardy in zones 5-10 that prefers full sun to partial shade.  It tolerates a variety of soil types from slightly acidic to slightly basic (pH 6.1 to 7.8) making it very versatile.  It prefers a moist yet well-drained soil and not too much water. Wisteria can be grown as a climbing vine on an arbor or trellis or can be trained into a free standing tree.  Either way it is just as magnificent.

Wisteria sinensis (Chinese)

Wisteria displays fragrant violet-lavender blooms in early spring (April-May) followed by wispy light green smooth foliage and purple-green fuzzy seed pods in late summer.  Wisteria range in height and size from about 15 to 20 feet in stature by 20 to 30 feet wide.  They can be trained to remain smaller like the one pictured here which is 8 feet tall by 10 feet in width or to any height as desired. 

Wisteria does not require much maintenance but should be regularly pruned to maintain its tree like appearance.  Seeds self sow freely or can be dried out and planted to start new plants.  Wisteria can also be propagated from woody stem cuttings.

If  you are looking for a fragrant and colorful spring bloomer then this is the tree for you.  I have enjoyed my Wisteria for may years and look forward to its outstanding spring blooms.

As always...Happy gardening!

Author:  Lee@ A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, copyright 2012.