How to Grow Chinese Wisteria

Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is a deciduous perennial vine with a twining growth habit. Like all members of the wisteria group, Chinese wisteria is a stunning bloomer. From May to June, it bears large, drooping clusters of fragrant flowers that are typically a bluish-purple. The vine is a vigorous climber that can grow to 25 feet. Trellises and other supports must be sturdy to hold the plant's weight.

In many U.S. states, especially in the Southeast, this vine is considered invasive, and experts warn against using it in the landscape. Consult a local authority if you are considering planting a Chinese wisteria.

Chinese wisteria can take up to 20 years to mature enough to produce flowers. But it also tends to be very long-lasting, living up to 100 years. 

Chinese Wisteria Care

When planting this vine, pick a spot where you can fit a solid support structure, such as an arbor or a pergola, that will be able to carry the weight of the plant once it's mature. To train wisteria vines, choose a single upright stem to attach to your support. Then, religiously remove any side shoots as they appear, forcing the plant into upward growth. Pruned correctly, the wisteria will form a beautiful overhead shade canopy. Once the plant reaches the height you want, continuously prune the tips of the plant to stunt further growth.

If you have trouble getting the vines to flower, there are several methods you can use. For instance, you can apply a high-phosphorus fertilizer, which can promote blooming. You also can try heavily pruning the plant right after it blooms and again in the winter to encourage more buds.

Wisteria can be subject to leaf-chewing insects, but the damage is rarely serious. There are no notable disease issues. But these are high-maintenance plants due to the need for diligent pruning. Be prepared to keep it tamed if you plant this species in your garden.

Light

Many wisteria species prefer lots of sun, but Chinese wisteria can tolerate some shade. However, the best flowering occurs when the plant gets partial to full sun.

Soil

Chinese wisteria likes humusy, moderately fertile, and slightly acidic soil. Good drainage is key for the plant. Make sure the soil in your growing site fits the bill for this plant because it dislikes being transplanted.

Water

Water a young plant deeply and frequently to help develop its root system, though you should never allow it to sit in soggy soil. Once established, the vine prefers even moisture via rainfall and regular watering, but it can tolerate a little drought.

Temperature and Humidity

Chinese wisteria can withstand temperatures down to around minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. But its buds might die in prolonged cold, causing the plant to flower less. This plant likes high humidity but can grow in drier climates as long as its soil remains moist. 

Fertilizer

Fertilizer usually is unnecessary for Chinese wisteria unless your soil is deficient in nutrients. A layer of compost can be an effective way to promote growth and blooming.

Is Chinese Wisteria Toxic?

All parts of this plant contain toxins known as lectin and wisterin glycoside. The seeds are especially dangerous because they have a high concentration of the toxins. So it's best to keep pets and children away from this plant. Call poison control if you expect a child has eaten the beans or any plant part, or a veterinarian if your pet has eaten the plant.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Ingesting any part of this plant can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and confusion in humans and animals. Symptoms range from mild to severe depending on how much is eaten. Fatalities are rare, but they do happen if a considerable number of the seed beans are eaten.

Wisteria Varieties

Two closely related species are Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) and American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). Like Chinese wisteria, the Japanese species is known to be invasive in North America. Its flowers are considerably more spectacular and it requires more sun than Chinese wisteria.

American wisteria is a smaller species, growing only two-thirds as long as the Chinese and Japanese species. Although its flowers are less showy, American wisteria blooms at a younger age than Chinese or Japanese wisteria. The American variety is recommended for landscape use because it is much less invasive. It's found naturally in the southeastern U.S. and a handful of other states.

Pruning

Arguably the most high-maintenance part of caring for Chinese wisteria is its pruning needs. It requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and keep its growth in check. In fact, in many parts of North America, the plant is regarded as an invasive species due to its ability to spread with vigor. Chinese wisteria sends out runners that can quickly overwhelm nearby plants and structures.

Prune your wisteria plant in the late winter, removing at least half of the previous year’s growth. Leave a few buds on each stem. You may prune it again just after it flowers in the late spring or early summer to clean up the plant’s shape. Trim off any dead or diseased growth as you spot it. If you cut back a mature plant too far, it should sprout again without issue. But those new sprouts might take several years to flower.