Japanese Wisteria Tree

Japanese Wisteria Tree (Wisteria floribunda) is a deciduous, woody climber with long, fragrant racemes of violet-blue, pink or white flowers. It can be trained as a free-standing standard or grown along a sturdy pergola, arch or wall support. ([RHS species profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/19123/wisteria-floribunda/details); [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/japanese-wisteria/)) ## Garden use Use it as a flowering focal point in a border or a large container, with stout support for its mature stems. Its eventual outline depends on how it is trained and pruned. Wisteria grows vigorously; check regional guidance before planting because Japanese wisteria is invasive in some parts of the United States, particularly the South. ([RHS growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/wisteria/growing-guide); [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/japanese-wisteria/)) ## Growing conditions Full sun gives the best flowering, though partial shade is tolerated. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam and sand, with moist but well-drained soil and acidic, alkaline or neutral pH. Flowering may occur from mid-to-late spring into early summer, depending on regional conditions. ([RHS species profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/19123/wisteria-floribunda/details); [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/japanese-wisteria/)) ## Maintenance Prune twice yearly: in July or August shorten excess shoots to five or six leaves, then in February cut them back to two or three buds. Begin routine pruning after the young plant has covered its support and secure mature stems to a sturdy structure. All parts are harmful if eaten, so keep seeds and pods away from children and pets. ([RHS pruning guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/wisteria/growing-guide); [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/japanese-wisteria/))