An entire genus of plants is called wisteria or wisteria (bot. Wisteria). Within the genus there are around ten different species of these impressive blue flowers, some of which can be grown very well as bonsai.
What different types of wisteria are there?
The main varieties of wisteria are Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) and American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). They vary in flower color, flowering time and height, but generally require sunny locations, sufficient water and regular cutting for optimal flower formation.
The Chinese wisteria
The Chinese wisteria is probably the most common species in Europe. In contrast to the Japanese wisteria, it grows in a left-winding direction, i.e. counterclockwise. It only begins to bloom when it is around ten years old, but then in full bloom and often twice a year. However, the prerequisite is a sunny location; in the shade it does not bloom or only blooms very sparsely.
The Japanese wisteria
You will find a wide variety of Japanese wisteria. Depending on the species, the flowers can be white, pink, purple or blue. The length of the flower panicles is also spectacular at up to 60 centimeters, and in the case of Wisteria macrobotrys even up to one meter.
Japanese wisteria usually blooms a little earlier than Chinese wisteria, namely at the beginning of spring. However, this also makes it susceptible to late frosts. Therefore it absolutely needs a protected location.
American Wisteria
The American wisteria is perhaps a little less well-known than its Asian relatives, but no less attractive than them. Its blue-purple flowers grow in clusters about 15 centimeters long and smell pleasant. The American wisteria is considered to be very frost hardy and, with its size of around six meters, is also suitable for smaller gardens. The flowering period begins in May.
Interesting species of wisteria:
- Wisteria floribunda longissima alba, Japanese wisteria, white flowers, flower panicle up to 40 cm long
- Wisteria sinensis, Chinese wisteria, blue-violet flowers, approx. 30 cm long flower panicle
- Wisteria frutescens, American wisteria, blue-purple flower, approx. 15 cm long flower panicle
- Wisteria macrobotrys, Japanese wisteria, flowers blue-violet, strongly fragrant, flower panicle up to 1 m long
- Wisteria macrobotrys rosea, Japanese wisteria, flowers light pink, flower panicle up to 40 cm long
Do different varieties need different care?
Basically, all types of wisteria need the same care and a similar location. The abundance of flowers depends on the light. It usually stays away in the shade. Wisteria also needs a lot of water before and during flowering, but does not tolerate waterlogging well. You can additionally stimulate flowering with special fertilizer.
Prune your wisteria regularly once or twice a year. This also contributes to a large abundance of flowers. If you haven't pruned it for a few years, a radical pruning can make the plant bloom again.
Tip
The Japanese wisteria is more suitable for areas where late frosts rarely occur, while the American wisteria requires less space.
