Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 1st Feb 2024

Wisteria Floribunda is a flowering, woody vine that can grow up to 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9m) in height and can spread from 4 to 8 feet (1 to 3m).

Be aware that this plant is considered a noxious weed in some areas. So only grow it in areas where it is native or the local conditions will not allow it to grow in an invasive manner.

It is also a deer tolerant plant.

Japanese wisteria photograph by TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋); CC.

The vine produces small blue or purple flowers that can form hanging tresses up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length, and begins blooming in late spring.

Wisteria floribunda photograph by Manoir de la Boirie.

The Wisteria Floribunda is commonly named Japanese wisteria as it is native to Japan. It is hardy to about -4°F(-20°C) and grows well in USDA zones 4 to 9 and UK/Europe zones H6.

Wisteria Floribunda is a part of the Fabaceae family (legumes, beans and pea plant family).

In the garden can best be used as a fence, bordering the edge of the garden, or used as a vining decorative plant around a strong standing pergola.

The Japanese wisteria can also be formed into a shrub or tree if enough appropriate pruning and training are applied early on in the growing process.

Close up of Japanese Wisteria flowers in bloom, image by Andrey Zharkikh; CC.

Growing Japanese Wisteria Infomation

When growing Wisteria Floribunda, start with an already rooted plant or a plant cutting.

Even though you can grow Wisteria Floribunda from seed, it is a long growing process before it will be able to produce any flowers.

The vine prefers full sunlight, and although it is tolerant of partial shade, it is less likely to flower under such conditions.

Wisteria Floribunda is a quick grower once established, and it can easily overtake plants that are placed too close.

The soil quality must be fertile and well-draining to accommodate the plant’s needs.

To assist with Japanese wisteria flowering a phosphorus soil amendment can be added in spring and autumn / fall to the surrounding soil.

As for pruning, the vine can be cut back in winter to remove at least half of the year’s growth and make it more manageable.

Hanging Wisteria floribunda plants photograph by Jenny; CC.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Wisteria Floribunda. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Cercis canadensis and Mung Beans.