Wisteria

Best Wisteria In NZ!

Adding colourful climbers such as Wisteria to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the right variety of Wisteria for your space in our huge range of plants. Our varieties include Wisteria sinensis, Japanese Wisteria, Chinese Wisteria, and Wisteria floribunda. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Wisteria, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Wisteria Questions

1. What is the best month to plant wisteria?

The best time to plant wisteria in New Zealand is in the spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). This is because the soil is warm and moist during these months, which will encourage the plants to root and establish themselves quickly ahead of summer.

2. How fast does wisteria vine grow?

Wisteria vines are known for their rapid growth, often reaching lengths of 10 meters (30 feet) or more within a few years. They can grow at a rate of 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) per year, making them one of the fastest-growing vines. This rapid growth can be both a blessing and a curse, as wisteria vines can quickly become overgrown and difficult to control. However, with proper care and pruning, wisteria vines can be a beautiful and rewarding addition to any garden.

3. How do you grow wisteria in NZ?

Growing Wisteria in New Zealand can be a rewarding experience, adding a touch of beauty and drama to your landscape with their vibrant blooms and cascading vines. Here's a comprehensive guide to successfully growing Wisteria:

Choosing the Right Wisteria Variety:

• Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda): Known for its prolific blooms and fragrant aroma. Japanese wisteria can reach heights of 10 meters (30 feet) or more.
• Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis): Slightly less vigorous than Japanese Wisteria, Chinese Wisteria typically reaches heights of 6-9 meters (20-30 feet) and produces flowers in shades of purple, lavender, and white.

Selecting a Planting Location:

• Sun Exposure: Wisteria thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering.
• Soil Drainage: Well-drained soil is crucial for wisteria's root health. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain excessive moisture.
• Space Considerations: Wisteria can grow rapidly, so choose a planting location with ample space, ideally 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) from structures to accommodate their growth.

Planting and Care:

• Planting Time: Spring or autumn are ideal times to plant wisteria, as the soil temperatures are mild and conducive for root establishment.
• Planting Depth: Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and slightly deeper. Position the wisteria in the hole, ensuring the graft union (the swollen area on the stem) remains above the soil line.
• Watering: Water newly planted wisteria regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, they can tolerate some drought but still require occasional watering during dry periods.
• Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to control wisteria's growth and encourage abundant flowering. Prune in late summer or early spring, removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.

Fertiliser:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to provide nutrients for healthy growth and flowering.

• Fertilizer Type: Choose a slow-release fertilizer to provide sustained nutrient release over time. The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser is perfect.

  https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser

Additional Tips:

• Support Structure: Provide a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or pergola, for the wisteria vines to climb and showcase their cascading beauty.
• Winter Protection: They are deciduous plants, so there is no need for frost protection.
• Pest and Disease Control: Inspect your wisteria regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Take appropriate measures to control infestations or infections.

With proper care and attention, your Wisteria will thrive!

4. What Wisteria smells the best?

The most fragrant Wisteria varieties are:

• Wisteria brachybotrys 'Shiro Kapitan': This Japanese wisteria cultivar produces white flowers with a sweet, strong fragrance.
• Wisteria brachybotrys 'Murasaki Kapitan': Another Japanese wisteria cultivar, this one produces violet-blue flowers with a sweet fragrance.
• Wisteria floribunda 'Kuchi-Beni': This Japanese wisteria cultivar produces lavender-blue flowers with a musky fragrance.
• Wisteria sinensis 'Jako': This Chinese wisteria cultivar produces purple flowers with a strong, musky fragrance.

These wisteria varieties have a stronger fragrance than other varieties, and their scent can be detected from a distance. The fragrance is often described as being sweet, musky, or spicy.

5. Which is better Chinese or Japanese wisteria?

Both Chinese and Japanese wisteria are beautiful and fast-growing vines that can add a touch of drama and elegance to any landscape. However, there are some key differences between the two varieties that may make one a better choice for you than the other.

Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)

• Blooms: Chinese wisteria typically blooms in April or May, slightly earlier than Japanese wisteria. Its flowers are also slightly larger and more fragrant.
• Growth: Chinese wisteria is generally faster-growing than Japanese wisteria, and it can reach heights of up to 30 feet (9 metres) or more.
• Hardiness: Chinese wisteria is slightly hardier than Japanese wisteria, and it can tolerate colder temperatures.

Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda)

• Blooms: Japanese wisteria typically blooms in May or June, slightly later than Chinese wisteria. Its flowers are slightly smaller and less fragrant than Chinese wisteria.
• Growth: Japanese wisteria is generally slower growing than Chinese wisteria, and it can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 metres) or more.
• Hardiness: Japanese wisteria is slightly less hardy than Chinese wisteria, and it prefers warmer climates.

6. What are the facts about Wisteria flowers?

Wisteria flowers are known for their beauty, fragrance, and cascading growth habit. Here are some interesting facts about wisteria flowers:

1. Symbolism and Culture: Wisteria flowers hold significant symbolism in various cultures. In Japan, they represent love, beauty, and longevity. In China, they symbolize luck, prosperity, and happiness.
2. Fragrance: Some wisteria varieties, particularly Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), produce a sweet, musky fragrance that can be detected from a distance. The fragrance is strongest during the blooming season, which typically lasts for several weeks.
3. Blooming Habit: Wisteria flowers bloom in drooping clusters that can reach up to 1 metre (3 feet) long. The flowers are typically purple, blue, or white, depending on the variety.
4. Growth Rate: Wisteria vines are known for their rapid growth, often reaching lengths of 10 metres (30 feet) or more within a few years. They can grow up to 3 metres (10 feet) in a single season.
5. Pruning: Regular pruning is essential for controlling the growth of wisteria vines and encouraging them to bloom more abundantly. Prune in late summer or early spring, removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
6. Pollination: Wisteria flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects. The flowers have a nectar-rich base that attracts pollinators.
7. Toxicity: All parts of the wisteria plant, including the flowers, seeds, and leaves, are poisonous. If ingested, they can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
8. Longevity: Wisteria vines can live for hundreds of years, making them a long-lasting addition to your landscape.
9. Support Structure: Wisteria vines need a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or pergola, to climb and showcase their cascading beauty.
10. Adaptations: Wisteria vines are adapted to warm, temperate climates and prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

7. Can wisteria change colour?

While wisteria flowers typically maintain their original color throughout their blooming period, some factors can cause them to appear slightly different shades. Here are some reasons why wisteria flowers might change color:

1. Soil Conditions: The pH and nutrient levels of the soil can affect the color intensity of wisteria flowers. For instance, acidic soil can lead to paler blooms, while alkaline soil can result in deeper hues.
2. Sunlight Exposure: Wisteria flowers need ample sunlight to produce their vibrant colors. If they are not receiving enough sunlight, their blooms may appear faded or dull.
3. Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly during the blooming season, can stress the plants and cause their flowers to develop variations in colour.
4. Watering Practices: Both overwatering and underwatering can stress wisteria plants, potentially affecting the colour intensity of their flowers.
5. Natural Variations: Even within the same variety, wisteria flowers can exhibit slight variations in colour due to natural genetic differences.
6. Aging Blooms: As wisteria flowers age, their petals may start to fade or lose some of their vibrancy. This is a natural process and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the plant.
7. Cultivar Differences: Different wisteria cultivars have distinct flower colors, and some varieties may display more color variation than others.

In general, wisteria flowers should maintain their original color throughout their blooming period. However, the factors mentioned above can influence the intensity and vibrancy of the blooms.

8. Why is wisteria called wisteria?

The genus name "Wisteria" was given to the wisteria plant by Thomas Nuttall, an American botanist, in 1818. Nuttall named the genus in honor of Caspar Wistar, an American physician and anatomist who was a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. However, Nuttall misspelled Wistar's name, and the genus name was incorrectly spelled "Wisteria" ever since.

There are two main theories for why Nuttall might have misspelled Wistar's name:

1. Mishearing the Name: It is possible that Nuttall simply misheard Wistar's name and wrote it down incorrectly.
2. Linguistic Mistakes: In the early 19th century, spelling conventions were not as standardized as they are today, and it was common for people to make mistakes when spelling names.

Regardless of the reason, the misspelling "Wisteria" has become the accepted name for the genus, and it is unlikely to be changed anytime soon.

9. What are the benefits of growing Wisteria?

Wisteria is a beautiful and fast-growing vine known for its stunning cascading flowers in spring. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, Wisteria offers several benefits for your garden and well-being:

Visual Appeal:

• Stunning Blooms: Wisteria produces fragrant, cascading flowers in various colours like purple, blue, white, and pink, creating a breathtaking spectacle in spring.
• Vertical Interest: Wisteria adds height and visual interest to your garden, especially when trained on trellises, fences, or arbors.
• Natural Shade: The dense foliage provides shade during the summer, creating a cool and inviting space in your garden.

Environmental Benefits:

• Pollinator Attraction: The fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
• Erosion Control: The dense roots of wisteria help prevent soil erosion on slopes and embankments.
• Air Purification: Like all plants, Wisteria absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, contributing to cleaner air.

Personal Benefits:

• Stress Relief: The beauty and fragrance of wisteria can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
• Improved Mood: Spending time outdoors and observing the natural beauty of Wisteria can contribute to a positive mood.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Caring for and watching Wisteria grow and flourish can provide a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Additional Advantages:

• Long-lived: Wisteria vines can live for many years, providing beauty for generations to enjoy.
• Low maintenance: Once established, wisteria requires minimal care and watering.
• Versatile: Wisteria can be grown on various structures, including trellises, fences, arbors, and pergolas.