Wisteria Chinensis
Wisteria Chinensis, The Chinese Wisteria
The Chinese Wisteria, Wisteria chinensis, is an attractive member of a rather large and attractive family or genus. There are several cultivars or varieties of Chinese Wisteria, with Wisteria chinensis "Alba", featuring white blooms, and a purple cultivar, being the most common and most popular. Although the Japanese Wisteria, Wisteria floribunda, is said to be the most fragrant Wisteria of all, the fragrances of the Chinese varieties are highly pleasing to the senses.
Wisteria chinensis is a deciduous vine, which can grow to a length of approximately 40'. The trunk of the mature Wisteria can sometimes be nearly a foot in diameter, especially if the vine has been growing for a number of years. This is a very long-lived plant, with a life span of 50+ years being common. In the wild it grows on cliffs and ledges where the vines can either climb or drape. It is a very suitable plant for a porch or trellis. The blossoms, whether white, purple, or shades of lilac or violet, appear prior to the foliage, and usually appear all at once along the length of the vine. The blossoms appear in clusters, normally 12" to 14" in length. Once the foliage appears, and the blossoms fade, the seed pods will appear.
A Note Of Caution - Almost all members of the Wisteria genus are considered toxic or poisonous, and Wisteria chinensis is no exception. Both the seeds and seed pods as well as the bark are toxic, though the effects are not usually deadly. Children seem to be at most risk as far as ingesting parts of the plant are concerned. It's claimed that if boiled, the seeds are edible, and can be used for making a tea. That may or may not be true, but if you try it, you might want to let someone else take the first sip!
Beautiful But Invasive - Wisteria chinensis has become naturalized in many parts of the United States and in Hawaii as well. It self propagates easily, and can become quite invasive. The vine has had a negative impact on the ecosystems in some parts of Hawaii. Wisteria vines, if given the chance, will strangle or shade out other shrubs and even trees. If you have one in your yard, pay close attention to the vine in case it starts twining around a prize shrub or tree. Many plants growing in the wild in the U.S. are from "escapee" seeds from plants used in landscaping. The resulting plants can then be found growing at the edges of woods and forests, in riparian areas, or anywhere the vegetation has been disturbed.
You Can't Kill It – Almost Can't Anyway - Once you have a Wisteria chinensis in your garden, you'll soon find that pruning is not only desirable, but often a necessity, and you have to be careful what you do with the clippings. If seeds are allowed to fall to the ground, they usually will sprout. If clippings are left on the ground, a certain percentage of them will take root. If you cut suckers from the base of the vine, new ones will soon replace the ones cut away. If you chop down the vine, it will soon re sprout, and if you dig up the root ball and leave any part of it behind in the earth, new sprouts will likely soon appear. Put more succinctly, it's a hard plant to get rid of once it has become established.
Culture - The vine is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. Freezing temperatures will not usually harm the plant, but a late frost can have a negative impact upon the blossoms. Fun sun is best for a planting location, though the vine will tolerate partial shade. The soil should not be overly rich or fertile, as this will result in a vine having luxuriant foliage, but few blossoms. Find the right spot, perhaps near a porch or something the plant can climb on, and at a location where other plant life will not be invaded, and be prepared to enjoy your Wisteria chinensis for many years.