Wisteria sinensis Alba

Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' is a wonderful form of Chinese wisteria. It bears beautiful white flowers that are remarkably fragrant. The pendulous and light clusters of flowers can reach 60cm (24in) in length. This exuberant climber blooms in spring, usually among its young bronze-coloured leaves, and often again during summer. Wisterias spontaneously wrap their long voluble stems around railings, fences, pergolas, and arbours. These long, green and flexible stems eventually become so powerful that they lift their supporting structure. Wisterias are extraordinarily beautiful, exceptionally vigorous, very accommodating, and resistant to the coldest winters.

Wisteria sinensis is a fast-growing climbing plant belonging to the large Fabaceae family. It is native to the humid forests of China, and was introduced to Europe in 1816. Its long voluble stems, which can reach 10m (33ft) in length, lignify with age. Sometimes a bit slow to establish, it is a robust plant that is perfectly resistant to cold. It is not demanding regarding soil (although it fears excessive active limestone), and can grow in poor and dry soils in summer if they are deep.

The 'Alba' variety stands out with the colour of its flowers and the increased size of its inflorescences. Its stems easily reach 9m (29 feet) in length and turn spontaneously wind around supports in an anti-clockwise direction. The growth of new, flexible, and villous shoots is very fast, reaching several metres in a season in moist soil. The main flowering of this 'Alba' variety takes place in April-May, earlier or later depending on the climate, on fairly young grafted plants. It develops on slightly bare branches located not far from the lignified main stems. It bears clusters of papilionaceous white flowers with pale-yellow upper lips, measuring 30 to 60cm (12 to 24in) in length. They spread a strong honey scent in calm weather. They open from the base to the tip of the cluster. The plant slightly re-blooms during summer. Its flowering is nectar-rich and honey-bearing. The flowers are followed by pendulous, flat, green pods that turn brown when ripe. The young bronze leaves appear at the end of flowering and then take on a light green colour. They are 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) long and divided into 4 to 6 pairs of rounded leaflets, giving the foliage a light appearance. Chinese wisteria can live well over 50 years. 

Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' is the ultimate romantic plant. It is a queen in the realm of climbing plants that can enhance any facade or structure, no matter how modest it may be. This vibrant plant often survives in old, neglected gardens, climbing to the tops of tall trees. It is also particularly useful for covering a wall or an unsightly fence. It wraps itself around a trellis without restraint if left to its own devices, and tends to smother nearby plants. Plant it on its own, in full sun (or partial shade in hot climates). Alternatively, plant it with honeysuckles as powerful as itself, such as Lonicera x delavayi, which is evergreen with a fragrant yellow summer flowering. Chinese wisteria also gets along very well with Clematis montana.

However, be patient! The first flowers may not appear until after 2 to 3 years, sometimes longer depending on growing conditions.