Wisteria floribunda

Wisteria floribunda is a vigorous Japanese wisteria that blooms abundantly in May-June, with long clusters of purple flowers among its young bronze leaves. The floribunda species is characterised by particularly long flower clusters with a slight honey fragrance, as well as by its voluble stems that coil clockwise around their support, unlike those of its Chinese cousin. Wisterias transform railings, wire mesh, pergolas, and arbours in spring. However, their long, green, and flexible tendrils become so powerful over time that they can lift the supporting structure. Wisterias deserve a home in every garden. They are beautiful, vigorous, and extremely accommodating.

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. Sometimes a little slow to establish itself, it is a robust plant that is perfectly resistant to cold. It is undemanding in terms of soil (although it fears excessive active limestone), and can grow in poor soils that are dry in summer if they are deep. Its rooting is deep and trailing.

The growth of new shoots is very rapid, growing several metres in a season in moist soil. The flowering takes place after that of Chinese wisterias, in May-June, on fairly young grafted plants. It develops on leafy branches located near the lignified main stems. It takes the form of pendulous flower clusters, 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) long. They are less fragrant than those of Chinese wisteria, but are perfectly spread out on the vegetation. They open successively, from the base to the tip of the cluster. Its flowering is nectar-bearing and honey-bearing. After the flowers, pendulous, flat, and green pods appear, swollen at the level of the seeds. They turn 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. Japanese wisteria can live for more than 50 years. 

Japanese wisteria is the epitome of a romantic plant. 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.