If you want to add floral vines to your yard, choose a nursery that can suggest non-invasive plants to protect your landscaping and the environment. The EDIS publication “Flowering Vines for Florida,” which offers images, details on growth conditions, and flowering dates on a number of flowering vines suitable for Florida settings, is another excellent resource.
The “Amethyst Falls” In the teaching gardens at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’) is growing.
Wisteria frutescens, also known as American wisteria, and millettia reticulata, also known as evergreen wisteria, are both gorgeous, non-invasive alternatives for your home’s landscape. The vivid blue/purple blossoms of the native American wisteria cultivar “Amethyst Falls” bloom in the spring and summer. The blossoms won’t require the frequent pruning and vigilance associated with Chinese or Japanese wisterias, even though they might not be quite as fragrant.
A plus is that American wisteria serves as a host plant for the larvae of both the long-tailed skipper and silver-spotted skipper butterflies. Only USDA zones 5 to 9 are suitable for American wisteria, therefore it won’t thrive everywhere in Florida.
Fortunately, the fragrant flowering vine evergreen wisteria, also known as summer wisteria, can take the place of invasive wisteria in gardens around the state. A non-native, non-invasive vine with small, fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer, evergreen wisteria has glossy, leathery green leaves. Evergreen wisteria, which isn’t really a wisteria, can grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 10, preferring full sun, though it can also tolerate some shade.
Both of these vines are better suited for cultivation in your home landscaping because they are more fragile and grow less quickly than invasive wisteria.
Which kind of wisteria can you find in Florida?
In the lush gardens of the Southeast of the United States, wisteria has grown to be rather iconic. Since the flowers bloom in fragrant clusters of light purple to white along roadside and up the sides of houses in the spring, it is simple to find. However, wisteria doesn’t always look as it does.
: Wisteria is in the pea/bean family.
About five to seven species of woody, deciduous vines belonging to the Fabaceae (pea/bean) family make up the genus Wisteria. The third-largest family of flowering plants, Fabaceae contains over 19,500 species.
: Many wisteria plants you see are invasive in Florida.
Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), two Asian species that were brought to American horticulture in the early 19th century and are now considered invasive, have escaped into natural areas. The most popular variety of wisteria grown in Florida and other Southeastern states is Chinese wisteria, while Japanese wisteria is also present.
Many of the invasive plants resemble Wisteriaformosa, a hybrid of Chinese and Japanese wisteria.
Chinese and Japanese wisteria are both invasive and not advised in any part of Florida, according to the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas.
: There is a native species of wisteria.
A Florida-friendly substitute is American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). Individual blooms on stalks less than 1 cm tall, shorter (5–10 cm long), denser flower clusters, and hairless pods are characteristics of American wisteria.
In contrast, Chinese and Japanese wisteria often have pods that are densely hairy, individual blooms that are carried on stalks 1.5 to 2 cm tall, and longer flower clusters (up to 50 cm long). While Japanese and American wisteria bloom from April to June in northern Florida, Chinese wisteria often blooms in late March to early April (before the leaves have fully opened).
: American wisteria is a host plant to native butterflies and moths.
Native plants promote regional biodiversity, which is another justification for picking American wisteria. Wisteria frutescens serves as a host plant for several species of butterflies and moths, including:
- Skipper with a long tail (Urbanus proteus)
- Skipper with a silver spot (Epargyreus clarus)
- navy blue (Leptotes marina)
- Dusky zarucco wing (Erynnis zarucco)
- Moth Cuphodes wisteriae
- Moth Io (Automeris io)
- enduring bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
- Canine borer moth (Synanthedon scitula)
- Moth of Limacodid (Acharia stimulea)
- a licorice twig borer moth (Ecdytolopha insiticiana)
- The duskywing of Horace (Erynnis horatius)
- Monarch moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
- Sphinx moth with blinders (Paonias excaecatus)
- Black-and-white tussock moth (Orgya leucostigma)
- Autumn webworm (Hyphantria cunea)
: Wisteria is a toxic plant.
Although wisteria blooms can be eaten in moderation, the rest of the plant is thought to be poisonous to both people and animals and contains a number of chemicals that can seriously upset the stomach. The seeds and pods contain the highest concentration of poisons.
This serves as a reminder that you should *never* eat a plant unless you are confident of its identify and that it is safe to eat.
Large flower clusters are found on longer stems on Chinese wisteria, or Wisteria sinensis.
Florida is home to an invasive species called Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), which blooms from April to June.
An acceptable substitute for the invasive species of wisteria in Florida is American wisteria.
Flowers on the Chinese and Japanese wisteria range in color from purple to white to pink.
Where does wisteria grow?
It is well known that wisteria take a very long time to bloom. For two to three years after planting, don’t anticipate blossoms. Some readers swear by the following technique to encourage blooming:
- To cut into part of the roots, take a shovel and drive it 8 to 10 inches into the ground approximately a foot and a half away from the main trunk of the wisteria.
- Approximately half of the roots should be damaged for the shrub to be shocked into reproduction (flowering).
- Don’t worry—impossible it’s to harm this unchecked, unwieldy, frequently invasive shrub!
- The flowers of wisteria can also be impacted by chilly winter temperatures.
Native Wisteria
Consider growing a wisteria species that is indigenous to North America if you live there, such as:
- Wisteria frutescens, also known as American wisteria, thrives in zones 5 through 9. Its original states span from Virginia to Texas, the southeast to Florida, and up into New York, Iowa, and Michigan in the north. The vine is 25 to 30 feet long, has glossy, dark-green leaves, and after the plant has begun to leaf out, develops huge, drooping clusters of lilac or purple-blue flowers. Only new wood will display the blossoms. Notably, the blossoms are typically less aromatic than those of Asian wisterias.
- In zones 4 to 9, Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya) flourishes. Similar to American wisteria, this late-bloomer is a native of the Southeast of the United States (it is sometimes considered a variety or subspecies of American wisteria). The Kentucky wisteria is the quickest to blossom, bearing faintly fragrant bluish-purple flowers after only two to three years of growth.
- A gorgeous, silvery-blue cultivar of the native Kentucky wisteria called “Blue Moon” is particularly hardy. In late spring or early summer, it blooms. It can go as chilly as -40F. (-40C).
Non-Native Wisteria
- Despite the fact that they are frequently marketed at nurseries and garden centers, Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) are non-native, invasive species, hence we do not suggest them for North American gardens. They can reach lengths of 30 to 60 feet and are hardy in Zones 5 to 9. (and beyond in the Southern U.S.). Japanese wisteria comes in two popular kinds, including:
- Popular plant known as “Honbeni” displays clusters of pink flowers in the late spring.
- “Alba” (also known as “Shiro Noda”) yields beautiful clusters of snow-white flowers in the late spring.
Are Wisteria Toxic to Pets and Humans?
Yes, the wisteria plant contains lectin and wisterin, which are poisonous to people, animals, and even pets. If taken in significant quantities, these poisons can result in anything from nausea and diarrhea to death.
If pets or young children frequent the area, it is a good idea to remove the seedpods after the plant has flowered because the material is particularly concentrated in the seeds and seedpods. Unaware children or animals won’t think twice about eating as many seedpods as they can because they are not unpleasant to taste or have an instant effect. In case of ingestion, contact your neighborhood poison control center.
The ideal places for wisteria to grow.
According to Kirsten Coffen, a landscape architect and designer based in Maryland, “its gorgeous spring-blooming cascade of purple (or white) scented flowers is best observed when trained on a structure, such as a robust pergola.”
Such a lush, floral canopy offers delightful shade throughout the sweltering summer months. According to Irene Kalina-Jones, a landscape designer at Outside Space NYC (opens in new tab), “We plant it on rooftops in the city, training it to cover pergolas to create shade.” “But I enjoy it grown against buildings, too,” you say.
Wisteria grows best in full sun in a protected location, such as a south or west-facing facade. When planting, work in a lot of organic matter (such as compost) to ensure that the soil is rich and well-drained.
If you want to grow wisteria up a wall or the front of a house, put some effort into building a strong structure that it can climb over many years. A tensioning system of wires is possibly preferable to a wooden trellis because wood can rot. The wires must either automatically tighten as the plant gains weight or be simple for you to tighten (via turnbuckles, for instance).
Can wisteria survive a hot climate?
Wisteria sinensis is a noxious, invasive plant that shouldn’t be grown in gardens since it flourishes in the warm climates of the United States. Plant Wisteria frutescens if you want to cultivate a wisteria vine and live in a warm climate. This natural vine to America can reach heights of up to 40 feet while remaining non-invasive and hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. In the middle of April, right after the leaves start to grow, the fragrant, lilac-purple blooms of the vine appear in 6-inch racemes.
Grow Millettia reticulata instead. The wisteria-like vine Millettia reticulata, also known as evergreen wisteria, is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10 but is not invasive. Evergreen wisteria has leathery, glossy leaves and tiny, fragrant summer blossoms that grow to a height of around 16 feet. Plant Hardiness Zone 10 experiences winter temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees F.
American Wisteria – Wisteria frutescens
Our only native wisteria is the American variety (Wisteria frutescens). All of the other species that are frequently planted are invasive and come from Asia. Only the panhandle and a few scatted counties in north Florida are where American wisteria naturally grows in Florida. Additionally, it is found almost everywhere in the eastern half of the United States. It is a vine that sprawls widely among the surrounding plants, much like its Asian relatives, and it can eventually extend its reach many feet from the primary stem. However, it is small compared to Chinese and Japanese species.
Wetland plants, such as American wisteria, are most prevalent around the edge of forested wetlands where they receive partial light or at the very least some shade for a portion of the day. However, it is highly flexible and can be cultivated in the landscape in considerably drier soils and in almost whole sunlight.
Due to its deciduous nature, it loses its leaves for a number of months in the winter. The complex leaves are swiftly followed by numerous flower buds in April to early May. It is very crucial not to cut these plants back in the winter while they are dormant because they are produced on previous year’s growth. Many dozens of deep purple blossoms make up each flower bud. As a member of the legume (bean and pea) family, this plant has unique flowers that are followed by tiny bean heads with a few hard seeds in each.
The rambling growth of American wisteria can be partly controlled when it is grown on a fence or trellis. Since it lacks tendrils, it could need assistance at first while it searches for something to hold onto. If you give it a little more water during prolonged droughts, it will function well almost everywhere. The plant we put to our Pinellas County landscaping has produced several blooms for many years with no maintenance.
Although it could take some searching, nurseries connected to the Association of Florida Native Nurseries (AFNN) occasionally sell American wisteria. Although we don’t cultivate it here at Hawthorn Hill, it would be simple to take our seeds and start them from scratch if someone wanted to. If you’re interested, please ask.
What distinguishes a wisteria tree from a wisteria vine?
Do wisteria vines and trees differ from one another? I’ve been looking for a place to buy a tree because I’ve seen photographs. I’m always being pointed toward the vine, though. Any information would be helpful.
“Wisteria is a deciduous twining climber native to China, Japan, and eastern United States; there is no botanical distinction between a Wisteria vine and a Wisteria tree. British Royal Horticultural Society The training and trimming make a difference. The tree form is a wonderful choice for planting Wisteria in a smaller garden because it has a 30-foot growth potential and may be rather aggressive. These two websites demonstrate how to shape a wisteria vine into either the traditional or tree form. There is also a link to instructions on growing wisteria.
Types of wisteria:
There are two varieties of wisteria: Asian and American. Although aggressive growers, Asian wisterias are well-known for their stunning blossoms. American wisterias are less aggressive and still produce beautiful blossoms. Compare the most popular wisteria varieties.
Flower color:
Wisteria comes in a range of colors, such as white, pink, and blue tones, in addition to the well-known purple blossoms. If you believe you have seen a yellow wisteria flower, it was probably a golden chain tree (Laburnum).
Foliage:
Wisterias are deciduous, which means that when the weather becomes chilly in the fall, they lose their leaves. The misunderstanding is occasionally brought on by a different vine known as evergreen wisteria (Millettia reticulata).
Avoid planting aggressive wisterias close to your home as they can cause damage and have even been known to destroy buildings.
Wisterias can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but to promote healthy bloom development, make sure the vines get at least six hours of direct sunlight everyday. If you reside in a colder area, pick a planting location that is protected because a heavy spring frost can harm the flower buds.
Create a planting hole that is the same depth as the plant and twice as wide, then level the plant with the soil surface. Because the vines will soon fill in, you should space your plants at least 10 to 15 feet apart along the support structure.
Wisterias don’t need much care once they are planted to promote healthy growth. Water frequently over the first year until the roots take hold.
After planting, wisterias could take some time to come out of dormancy and might not start to leaf until early summer. They will leaf out at the regular time the following spring, but don’t be surprised if they don’t bloom. Wisterias take three to five years to reach full maturity and may not start blooming until then.
Wisterias grow quickly and can reach heights of up to 10 feet in in one growing season. That works out well if you need to quickly cover a fence or pergola but don’t want the vines to take over your landscape. Regular pruning (once in the summer and once in the winter) not only controls wisteria’s growth but also encourages more robust flowering by creating a framework of horizontal branches and causing spurs to grow at regular intervals.
Cut back the current year’s growth to five or six leaves in July or August, or roughly two months after the plant flowers, to get rid of stray shoots and make short branches that will produce flowers the following year. Summer pruning needs to be done more frequently. Re-prune the plant in January or February while it is dormant by removing two or three buds from the growth from the previous year.
The first few years of wisteria’s growth are crucial for creating the desired framework for the plant’s development. As soon as your wisteria begins to grow, start connecting particular lateral shoots to its support structure. You should also cut down any extra growth. An aggressive pruning may be required on elder plants to promote the growth of new branches. Cut down aging branches to the main primary stem to accomplish this. The spaces will soon be filled with new side branches that can be connected back into the support structure.
Visit the Royal Horticultural Society to view a video on how to prune wisteria vines properly.