Plant Library

Other Names:  Wisteria brachybotrys

Brand:  Monrovia

Description:

An elegant flowering vine, with exquisite chains of pure white flowers that cascade from the stems in early summer; can grow quite woody, needs ample support, best if grown on a structure; vulnerable to late spring frost damage to flower buds

Ornamental Features

Silky Wisteria is draped in stunning chains of fragrant white pea-like flowers hanging below the branches in early summer. It has green deciduous foliage which emerges coppery-bronze in spring. The fuzzy narrow compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape Attributes

Silky Wisteria is a multi-stemmed deciduous woody vine with a twining and trailing habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance woody vine that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Silky Wisteria is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Silky Wisteria will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. As a climbing vine, it tends to be leggy near the base and should be underplanted with low-growing facer plants. It should be planted near a fence, trellis or other landscape structure where it can be trained to grow upwards on it, or allowed to trail off a retaining wall or slope. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This woody vine does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.