One of the most elegant genera around, wisteria are climbing plants belonging to the pea plant family, and the genus itself is made up of around 10 different species.
Wisteria At A Glance
These striking plants are native to Asia, the eastern parts of the US, and northern parts of Iran.
They are grown all over the world for their fabulous flowers, which almost look like colorful chandeliers, featuring countless clusters of tiny purple, white, pink, or yellow flowers.
Young wisteria plants need at least three years of growth before they will flower, and some of them may take as long as five years before they bloom.
Wisterias are fabulous climbers that look perfect scrambling up trellises, sides of houses, walls, and obelisks.
Some people also grow them into trees, but one thing you do have to make sure of is that the tree is strong enough to support them.
The Meaning Behind The Name
The genus is named after the American anatomist and physician Caspar Wistar.
The Symbolism Of Wisteria Flowers
Wisteria flowers aren’t a common gift, but they are certainly a memorable one! Not just for their gorgeous blooms or scent, but also for their meaning.
In the language of flowers, wisteria blooms stand for an all-consuming love or desire, as well as long life or even immortality.
For a more detailed breakdown on what wisteria flowers mean, head over to Wisteria Flower Meaning And Symbolism
Are Wisteria Plants Just Vigorous Or Are They Invasive?
Wisteria are very vigorous plants which grow quickly, scrambling up any surface they can reach, even other plants.
Some wisteria types have a very aggressive growth habit, where they will strangle neighboring plants, so that’s one less plant to compete against for nutrients, water, and light.
In places where they have been introduced, such as the US, they are considered as invasive as they are simply too much for the native plants to compete with, often escaping gardens and spreading elsewhere.
Wisteria Growing Requirements
Wisteria plants are hardy in USDA zones 5 through to 9, and flower in spring or summer, depending on the variety.
The plant can reach anywhere from 6 feet tall to 40 feet tall, which is dictated both by the species and the growing conditions.
Wisteria love full sunlight, but they’ll also grow in partial sunlight. They benefit from a sheltered position, in well-draining, rich soil.
While they have only average water requirements, they require a lot of maintenance, cutting back any errant branches before they get out of control.
