Wisteria or wisteria (bot. Wisteria) refers to an entire plant genus. Within the genus there are about ten different species of these impressive blue flowers, some of which can be grown very well as bonsai.

Wisteria does not necessarily have to flower blue

The Chinese Wisteria

The Chinese wisteria is probably the most common species in Europe. In contrast to the Japanese wisteria, it grows to the left, i.e. counterclockwise. It only begins to flower when it is about ten years old, but then in full bloom and often twice a year. A prerequisite, however, is a sunny location, in the shade it does not bloom or only very sparingly.

The Japanese wisteria

You will find a wide variety of Japanese wisteria. The flowers can be white, pink, purple or blue depending on the species. The length of the flower panicles is also spectacular at up to 60 centimetres, and in the case of the Wisteria macrobotrys even up to one metre.

The Japanese wisteria usually blooms a little earlier than the Chinese, at the beginning of spring. However, this also makes it susceptible to late frosts. Therefore, it absolutely needs a sheltered location.

American Wisteria

The American wisteria may be a little less well known than its Asian relatives, but it is no less attractive. Its blue-purple flowers grow in clusters about 15 centimeters long and are pleasantly scented. The American wisteria is considered to be very frost-hardy and, with its size of around six meters, is also suitable for somewhat smaller gardens. The flowering period begins in May.

Interesting species of wisteria:

  • Wisteria floribunda longissima alba, Japanese wisteria, white flowers, panicles up to 40 cm long
  • Wisteria sinensis, Chinese wisteria, blue-violet flowers, approx. 30 cm long panicles
  • Wisteria frutescens, American wisteria, blue-purple flowers, about 15 cm long panicles
  • Wisteria macrobotrys, Japanese wisteria, blue-violet flowers, very fragrant, panicles up to 1 m long
  • Wisteria macrobotrys rosea, Japanese wisteria, light pink flowers, panicles up to 40 cm long

Do different varieties need different care?

Basically, all types of blue rain need the same care and a similar location. The abundance of flowers depends on the light. In the shade it usually stays off. Wisteria also needs a lot of water before and during flowering, but does not tolerate waterlogging very well. You can also stimulate flowering with special fertilizer.

Prune your wisteria regularly once or twice a year. This also contributes to a large abundance of flowers. If you haven't pruned it for a few years, a radical pruning can get the plant to bloom again.

tips

The Japanese wisteria is more suitable for areas where late frosts rarely occur, while the American needs less space.

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Trees