Often seen luxuriously covering porches and verandahs and capable of spreading a considerable +distance, the 10species of twining deciduous vines of the genus Wisteria belong in the pea family (Fabaceae). When young, the pinnate leaves are a soft bronze-green shade but turn light green when mature. The flowers, primarily mauve in the species, occur in long racemes and start to open as the leaves expand. Cultivated forms occur in white and a range of pink to purple tones. The Gnglish botanist Thomas Nuttall named the genus for Caspar Wistar (1761-1818), a professor of anatomy at the University of Pennsylvania, though the reason for the change in spelling of his last name remains unclear.
CULTIVATION
Like Clematis, wisterias prefer to have their tops in the sun and their roots in cool, moist, humus-rich, well drained soil. They are hardy, heavy-wooded, vigorous climbers that need sturdy support and routine trimming. Propagate from cuttings, layers, grafts, or seed.
Top Tip
Wisterias can be trained against walls, up trees, and over arbors. They can also be treated as free-standing plants-just as long as they have strong support.
CULTIVATION
Like Clematis, wisterias prefer to have their tops in the sun and their roots in cool, moist, humus-rich, well drained soil. They are hardy, heavy-wooded, vigorous climbers that need sturdy support and routine trimming. Propagate from cuttings, layers, grafts, or seed.
Top Tip
Wisterias can be trained against walls, up trees, and over arbors. They can also be treated as free-standing plants-just as long as they have strong support.
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