Wisteria sinensis 'ALBA'

Chinese wisteria is no doubt the queen of flowering climbers. Alba is a variety with clusters of very fragrant, pure white flowers that are 25-35 cm long and appear on bare wood earlier than other wisterias, usually in April. Rather exotic looking pinnate leaves are mid green, and densely cover the plant and its support. It usually offers second blooming in early summer which is nonetheless beautiful, this time on the background of a fully leaved plant.

Tree forms of wisterias have several advantages. They make the blooming show much more pronounced with its flowering clusters hanging from a shaped crown. And it can stand almost anywhere in your garden as it does not need to be leaning against a wall or a fence. In order to keep the tree form you will need to control its growth. Cut off long branches as and when they appear during the season to 2-3 buds to encourage formation of flowering spurs.

Wisterias need moist, acidic soil, not very rich in organic matter. The tree must be staked to a strong support common for any other standard tree. Remember that wisteria is formerly a vine and the wood remains very flexible for many years. Therefore, leave the support on the plant for at least 5-6 years until the wood reliably hardens up. Young plants require a sheltered place, mature plants are fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 26-01-2009