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How to Grow Wisteria floribunda Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Japanese wisteria

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 invasively.

It is also a deer tolerant plant.

Japanese wisteria
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.

Japanese wisteria
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.

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

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Japanese wisteria

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.

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Hanging Wisteria floribunda plants photograph by Jenny; CC.

Wisteria floribunda Growing and Care Guide

  • Scientific Name: Wisteria floribunda
  • Common Name: Japanese wisteria
  • Growing Zone: USA: 5 to 09
  • Life Cycle / Plant Type: Shrub, Vine

Plant Details

  • Plant Height (Inches): 180 to 720
  • Plant Spread (Inches): 480 to 600
  • Time of Bloom: Spring
  • Flower Details: Blue, Lavender, Purple, White
  • Leaf Foliage: Green
  • Fruit:
  • Growth Form: Spreading or horizontal, Variable height, Variable spread

Ideal Growing Conditions

  • Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight
  • Rate of Growth: Quick
  • Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Alkaline, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained
  • Soil Moisture: Moist

Caring Conditions

  • Care:
  • Level of Maintenance: Medium
  • Propagation: Layering, soft- or hardwood cuttings, grafting
  • How to Prune: Regular pruning required.
  • Pests: Scale insects.
  • Diseases: leaf spot, powdery mildew.

Further Information

  • Can Attract:
  • Tolerant of: Deers.
  • Best Garden Use: Arbor, Espalier (trained against a wall), Pollard (woodland management technique).
  • Family: Fabaceae.
  • Closely Related Species: Chinese wisteria

  • Miscellaneous: Is not a native plant of N. America, Invasive, Naturalizing, Some parts are poisonous, Fragrant flowers, Blooms are very showy.
  • Genus Detail: Wisteria
  • Further Reading and References: Here and Here

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.