Shiro Kapitan White Silky Wisteria

Shiro Kapitan White Silky Wisteria (Wisteria brachybotrys 'Shiro Kapitan') is a deciduous climber to about 6m with short, broad racemes of large, very fragrant white flowers. It is known as silky wisteria because its young leaves are covered in soft silky hairs, and its pure white spring display is one of the best-scented of any wisteria.

Why you'll love it

• Large white flowers. Short, broad racemes of big, pure white blooms look clean and crisp against the green foliage.
• Very fragrant. The scent is rich and sweet, strong enough to carry through an open window.
• Silky-hairy leaves. The leaves have a soft, silky texture that sets it apart from other wisterias.
• Frost hardy. It copes well with cold winters and flowers better after them.
• Neat clusters. The shorter racemes suit smaller structures than the long Japanese types.

Where it works best

White gardens and courtyards. The white blooms pair well with deep green hedges and sandstone. Plant 4m apart.

Pergolas by outdoor rooms. Plant beside a seating area where you can enjoy the fragrance.

Walls and fences. Train it along strong wires, away from gutters.

Growing Shiro Kapitan in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It is at its best in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. In subtropical gardens it grows but flowers less, and it is not suited to the tropics.

Soil. Fertile, free-draining soil. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding.

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

Pruning. Cut long summer growth to 5 or 6 buds after flowering and again to 2 or 3 buds in winter. Young plants may take a few seasons to flower. 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 Shiro Kapitan in 200mm pots in packs of 6, 300mm pots and 400mm pots, the larger sizes being advanced stock with extra established stem. Expect to train it for a few seasons before it flowers fully. 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 care and the native alternative
• Browse climbers
• Fragrant plants

Common questions

Why is it called silky wisteria?

The leaves are covered in fine silky hairs, particularly when young.

Is it strongly scented?

Yes. Its white flowers are very fragrant.

Is it toxic?

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