Wisteria floribunda Purple (Purple Wisteria, Japanese Purple Wisteria)

Wisteria floribunda Purple (Purple Wisteria, Japanese Purple Wisteria) is a captivating deciduous climbing vine prized for its stunning, fragrant flowers.

Appearance:

• Flowers: The most striking feature is its profuse display of long, pendulous clusters (racemes) of pea-like, deep violet to purple flowers. These racemes can be quite impressive, often reaching lengths of 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) or even longer in some cultivars. The flowers are typically sweetly scented, adding to their appeal. They bloom in late spring to early summer, often as the leaves are emerging.  
• Leaves: The foliage consists of pinnately compound leaves, typically 10-30 cm long, with 13 to 19 lance-shaped leaflets. The leaves are a fresh, bright green during the growing season and turn an attractive golden-yellow in the fall, providing seasonal interest.  
• Stems: It's a vigorous, woody vine that climbs by twining its stems clockwise around any available support. Over time, the stems can become thick and woody.  
• Seed Pods: After flowering, it produces velvety, bean-like seed pods that can persist into the winter. These pods are considered poisonous.  

Growth Habits and Characteristics:

• Growth Rate: Japanese Wisteria is known for its vigorous and rapid growth, capable of reaching heights of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) or more.
• Climbing Mechanism: It climbs by twining, so it requires a sturdy support structure such as pergolas, arbors, trellises, fences, or walls.  
• Hardiness: It is generally hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9.  
• Sunlight: For the best flowering, it thrives in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade.  
• Soil: It prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.  
• Fragrance: The purple flowers are typically fragrant, often described as sweet or grape-like.  
• Attracts: The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Deer Resistance: It is generally considered deer-resistant.  

Cultivation and Maintenance:

• Pruning: Regular and proper pruning is essential to control its size, shape, and promote abundant flowering. It's typically pruned twice a year: a heavier pruning in late winter or early spring and a lighter pruning after flowering in the summer.  
• Support: Due to its vigorous growth and heavy flower production, it needs strong support structures.  
• Invasive Potential: Like other Wisteria floribunda varieties, it can be invasive in some regions due to its rampant growth and ability to root from runners. It's important to manage its growth to prevent it from overwhelming other plants or structures.
• Toxicity: All parts of the plant, especially the seeds and seed pods, are considered toxic if ingested and can cause discomfort. It is also toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.  

Garden Uses:

• Ideal for covering pergolas, arbors, and trellises, creating stunning floral displays.  
• Can be trained along walls and fences for vertical interest.  
• Sometimes trained as a free-standing shrub or small tree through careful and consistent pruning.  
• Excellent for adding a romantic and fragrant element to the garden.

In summary, Wisteria floribunda 'Purple' is a beautiful and vigorous climbing vine celebrated for its long, cascading clusters of fragrant purple flowers and attractive foliage. While it requires proper support and regular pruning, its spectacular spring display makes it a highly sought-after plant for many gardens.