Japanese Wisteria

Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) is a deciduous climber known for the longest flower clusters of any wisteria, with violet-blue racemes that hang 30 to 50cm and open gradually from the base. It twines clockwise, grows to around 8m and flowers as the new leaves emerge, so each cluster is framed in fresh green.

Why you'll love it

• Very long flower clusters. Racemes open progressively from the base over a couple of weeks, extending the display.
• Fragrance. The violet-blue flowers carry a sweet scent on a warm spring day.
• Frost hardy. It handles cold winters well and rewards them with heavier flowering.
• Elegant foliage. Pinnate, finely cut leaves make a light canopy over a pergola, then drop in autumn after a soft yellow turn.
• Long lived. It can last for generations with sound training and the occasional prune.

Where it works best

Pergolas and verandahs. Its long racemes need height to hang freely, so plant it beside a tall pergola, spacing plants 4m apart.

Archways and walkways. A walkway tunnel lets you walk under the flower curtain.

Sturdy walls. Train stems along horizontal wires, well away from gutters and roof edges.

Growing Japanese Wisteria in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and a sheltered spot. It is happiest in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. In humid subtropical gardens it grows but flowers less, and it is not suited to the tropics.

Soil. Fertile, well-drained soil. Go easy on nitrogen, which pushes leaf at the expense of flower.

Water and feed. Water deeply while establishing, then occasionally in dry spells. Feed with potash after flowering.

Pruning. Cut long summer shoots back to 5 or 6 buds in midsummer, then to 2 or 3 buds in winter, which builds the spurs that carry flowers. Seed-grown plants can be slow to bloom. All parts of wisteria are toxic if eaten, especially the seeds and pods, so it is not a plant for gardens where children or pets chew what they find.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Japanese Wisteria in 200mm pots in packs of 6, 300mm pots and 400mm pots, the larger sizes being advanced stock with extra established stem. Smaller plants need a few seasons of training before they flower well. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Wisteria in Australia: care and alternatives
• More climbers
• Plants for cool climates

Common questions

How does it differ from Chinese wisteria?

Japanese wisteria twines clockwise, has longer flower clusters that open from the base, and flowers a little later, with the leaves.

How long until it flowers?

Seed-grown plants can take several years. Larger pots flower sooner, with good sun and correct pruning.

Is it toxic?

Yes. The seeds and pods are toxic if eaten, so keep it away from pets and children.