White Japanese Wisteria

White Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda 'Alba'), also sold as 'Shiro Noda', is a deciduous climber to about 8m with long white racemes in spring. It carries all the grace of the Japanese wisteria, with pale, elegant flower cascades that open gradually from the base and a sweet scent.

Why you'll love it

• Long white racemes. Clusters hang well down, giving a waterfall of white against fresh green leaves.
• Fragrant. The flowers carry a sweet scent through spring.
• Brightens shaded structures. White flowers glow in the lower light under a pergola or at dusk.
• Frost hardy. It is at home in cold winters and is rewarded with better flowering.
• Long lived. A well-trained plant matures into a handsome twisted trunk and canopy.

Where it works best

White and green gardens. It sits beautifully with clipped hedges and formal paving. Plant 4m apart.

Pergolas and walkways. Long racemes need height to hang freely.

Verandahs. Grow it on sturdy posts and keep it clear of roof edges and gutters.

Growing White Japanese Wisteria in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It is best in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. In subtropical gardens it flowers more lightly, and it is not suited to the tropics.

Soil. Fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which encourages leaf at the expense of flowers.

Water and feed. Water deeply as it establishes and during dry spells. Apply potash after flowering.

Pruning. Cut long summer shoots to 5 or 6 buds, then to 2 or 3 buds in winter. Young plants can take several seasons 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 White Japanese Wisteria in 200mm pots in packs of 6, 300mm pots and 400mm pots, with the larger sizes advanced stock that gives you a head start. Plan a few seasons of training for a full display. 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
• More climbers
• Plants for cool climates

Common questions

Is it the same as Shiro Noda?

Yes. 'Alba' is also sold under the name 'Shiro Noda'.

How long are the flower clusters?

Long and pendulous, in the way of Japanese wisteria, so allow height for them to hang.

Is it toxic?

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