Wisteria floribunda Honbeni

Wisteria floribunda 'Honbeni' (or 'Rosea') is a vigorous Japanese wisteria that blooms abundantly in May-June, with magnificent clusters of soft pink flowers. The blooms look sublime amidst the young bronze leaves. The floribunda species is characterised by particularly long flower clusters, with a slight honey fragrance. Its voluble stems twist clockwise around their support, unlike those of its Chinese cousin. Wisterias transform fences, pergolas, and arbours in spring. However, their long green and flexible tendrils become so strong that they can eventually lift or bend their supporting structure. Wisterias deserve a place in our gardens. They boast extraordinary beauty, incredible vigour, an accommodating nature, and excellent resistance to the coldest temperatures.

Japanese wisteria is a fast-growing climbing plant belonging to the large Fabaceae family, just like clover, alfalfa, and lupins. It is native to Japanese forests, and was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century. Its long voluble stems, which can reach 10m (33ft) in length, lignify with age. It can be slow to establish, but it is a robust plant, perfectly resistant to cold, and undemanding in terms of soil (although it fears excessive active limestone). It can grow in poor soils that are dry in summer, if they are deep. Its roots are deep and trailing.

The 'Honbeni' variety, also marketed under the name 'Rosea', is distinguished by the colour of its flowers, which is pale-pink rather than mauve. Its stems can easily reach 9m (29ft) in length and spontaneously wrap around supports. The growth of new shoots is very rapid, with several metres in a season if planted in moist soil. Flowering occurs in May-June, on fairly young grafted plants. It develops on leafy branches located not far from the lignified main stems. It takes the form of pendulous flower clusters, measuring 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) in length. They are less fragrant than those of Chinese wisteria, but are well distributed on the foliage. They open successively, from the base to the tip of the cluster. The flowers are nectar-rich and honey-bearing. Pendulous pods appear after the flowers, which are initially green before turning brown when ripe. The young bronze-coloured leaves appear before flowering and then turn a light green colour. They are 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) long and divided into 13 to 19 ovate leaflets, giving the foliage a light appearance. Before falling in autumn, the leaves take on a beautiful golden colour. This long-lasting wisteria can live well over 50 years.

Wisteria floribunda 'Honbeni' is the epitome of romantic plants. It can enhance any facade or structure, no matter how modest. It is also particularly useful for covering a wall or an unsightly fence. It wraps itself around a fence or trellis without restraint if left to its own devices. It tends to smother surrounding plants. Plant it on its own in full sun (or partial shade in hot climates). Alternatively, plant it with equally powerful honeysuckles, such as the evergreen Lonicera x delavayi, with a fragrant yellow summer flowering, or the thornless Banksia rose 'Alba Plena', which is covered in small white pompoms in May. The floribunda wisteria also gets along very well with Clematis montana.

However, be patient! Its first flowering only appears after 2 to 3 years, depending on growing conditions.