Blooms and Fruits: This plant has elongated racemes of white, blue, or violet flowers that have a strong grape bubblegum scent. Each raceme’s flowers bloom at the same time, before the early spring foliage has fully opened. The fruit is a 2 to 4 inch long, brown, flat, knobby pod that is occasionally pubescent and feels velvety. Seeds have a thick, disk-like shape. In the summer, the fruit pods reach maturity and split open to release the seeds. Through the winter, the empty pods are still present.
Seasonal Color: Over the course of a week, usually in February or March, Chinese wisteria flowers create a vibrant color display in the landscape.
Chinese wisteria plants can withstand extreme cold well, however they are extremely sensitive to temperatures exceeding
Light: North and east exposures are excellent in central Arizona landscapes since there are no western exposures; full sun is experienced everywhere else.
Soil: As long as it doesn’t become desert dry, Chinese wisteria can tolerate most types of soil conditions.
Pruning: Head back severely as needed in late spring after bloom because Chinese wisteria blooms on wood created the previous year.
In Arizona, is wisteria invasive?
Wisteria blooms over roads and arbors in the spring, reminding me that sure, spring always keeps its promise and, wow, this stuff is taking over the globe! Although some varieties of wisteria are stunning, they are invasive plants and should be grown with caution (if at all).
The native American species is a perfect substitute if you adore the rich splendor of wisteria because it provides you all the glory without nearly as much trouble.
Chinese and Japanese Wisteria
Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda, respectively known as Chinese and Japanese wisterias, are magnificent spring-blooming vines with gracefully twisted trunks and an absolutely gorgeous display of pendulous lavender or pink blooms in the spring. These are the varieties of wisteria that grow wild along highways and drape their foot-long flowers from tall tree branches.
They are very stunning. However, when these non-native vines are accidentally introduced into American forests (often by well-intentioned gardeners), they quickly proliferate and start the troublesome work of obstructing light and water, growing thickets, impeding the growth of new saplings, and even bringing down large trees with their heavy, woody stems.
Despite being invasive species, Chinese and Japanese wisterias are still sellable, and it can be tempting to take a cutting or sprout from a naturalized vine. But before putting wisteria into your yard, you might want to consider how diligently you intend to train and control it.
American Wisteria Is the Native Choice
Consider growing the less invasive American wisteria as an alternative (Wisteria frutescens). This gorgeous vine, which is native to eastern North America, is just as magnificent despite having slightly smaller blooms that occasionally repeat in the fall. It is significantly less intrusive and much less likely to spiral out of control than its Asian counterparts.
The blossoms are the most straightforward way to recognize American wisteria. The flowers of American wisteria are shorter, rounder, and more compact than those of Asian species, which have elongated blossoms with loose, dripping petals (rather pinecone shaped). Despite having less fragrant blossoms than Asian wisteria, American wisteria still has stunning flowers! The smooth seed pods of American wisteria can also be distinguished from the hairy seed pots of Chinese and Japanese varieties.
Don’t be deceived when planting American wisteria by the claim that it is “non-invasive”
The tenacious American wisteria swiftly covers arbors and reaches impressive heights in the trees. In comparison to Asian wisteria, it also grows more quickly and is more resistant to cold. Native to marshes in the southeast, American wisteria thrives in some sunlight.
Wisteria Fact
Did you know that the wisteria vines of various varieties entangle in various directions? While American and Japanese varieties climb clockwise, Chinese wisteria twines counterclockwise.
How to Grow American Wisteria
When cultivating American wisteria in your yard, remember to:
- Water: Wisteria might require a little irrigation during dry seasons because it is a native of marshes.
- Use a trellis: Instead of letting wisteria climb trees, train it to a trellis or arbor to keep it under control.
- Gently Tie: Wisterias climb by twining (rather than clinging), so they may need to be gently tied to the trellis until they grow around it.
- Keep Pruning: If a vine is not taken care of, it could grow out of control. Maintain wisteria in its intended location and cut back any sprouts or tendrils that stray onto nearby bushes or trees.
Wisteria
Wisteria is one of the few plants that may truly grab a gardener’s heart. This is the third failed write. The first was a regional failure. The second is nature’s inevitable failure, which is out of our control. This article is about the inability to say “no more,” or as I prefer to say, “I must be dumb.” Failure can take on a variety of forms and appearances. It often teaches us things about who we are and how determined we are to make things work, going beyond merely trying with a plant or a dream. That’s where the stupid part for me starts. I have the obstinacy of an ox. Here is what I have to say after making numerous trips to view this plant and trying to grow it in Tucson.
It supposedly grows in Tucson. Where? I have no idea. Is this a plant I’ve seen before? No. Are garden centers selling it in the spring? Yes. Have I ever tried to grow this plant? Yes, and numerous times. After seeing one grow over an arbor, it is breath-taking. In California, they prosper. It grew for you, right? Yes. I can make anything grow since I have a green thumb. It grew well, right? No. Did you position it in various exposures? Yes. How much money have you invested in this plant throughout the years? Far too much You’re so stupid, why? I’m not sure. I like to have lofty dreams, but with this plant, I failed miserably. When this plant tempts you come spring in the garden center, will you buy it again? I’m attempting to restrain my inclinations and addiction to plants. I’m hoping my mind and body will work well together. The hands must refrain from reaching for the shelves and the mind must object.
Each time I see the bare-rooted plants in their bags for $5, I have a private conversation with myself about them. In terms of growth, they are comparable to grapes, which, incidentally, thrive here. I’ll be honest with you all. I’m not given up on this plant because I think I can do something really remarkable with it once I find the appropriate place for it. It is reported to grow in Tucson, but as a plant expert with keen vision, I have never seen this plant in our city, even if these are the first to sell out. There may be someone in the community that owns one similar to the one in the image above. But I am aware of this. Here, it will shed its leaves in the winter, and in the summer, it will grow like a sturdy vine. It does enjoy the light, but the tough part is preventing the plant from being burned by the desert sun, which can happen. Water is also necessary for it to grow. For this plant, the soil is essential. Most of our soil is clay. This species should not be planted at all. Most people will be let down by it. I suggest the Mountain Laurel, a slow-growing evergreen bush in this area, if you desire those lovely purple blossoms. It has stunning purple flowers and an amazing aroma. Later on, more on that plant. Try a natural grape vine, a few other types of grapes, or the purple lilac vine if you’re looking for a vine that looks similar to wisteria. Those plants have done incredibly well for me when I’ve employed them. Don’t be too hard on yourself; a struggle occasionally makes for wonderful gardening. This is the expected failure. You know you’ve had a lot of failures with plants, but you still want to keep trying in the hopes that the next one might work. Perseverance or leaving this failure behind are the solutions. For this series, I have a few more failures to share. Until then, happy gardening!
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.
How does wisteria grow in a desert?
I left Omaha, Nebraska, where I was an enthusiastic gardener, and relocated to the desert near Palm Springs, California. Wisteria will grow in this area, when summertime temperatures might reach 120 for several weeks. When might I be able to anticipate seeing it blossom here if it grows? I appreciate your support.
ANSWER:
The only wisteria native to North America, Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria), is not a native to California. It is indigenous to the Eastern United States, in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8, and as far west as east Texas. Zone 9b through 10a appears to encompass your location in Riverside County.
Growing Conditions
moderate use of water Light Sun, part-shade, and shaded soil are requirements. Moist Soil: Moisture Circumneutral (pH 6.8), Acidic (pH 6.8-7.2) CaCO3 Low Drought Tolerance Moderate Tolerance Soil Rich, wet to mesic soils that are neutral to slightly acidic Clay, Clay Loam, Medium Clay, and Sandy. Conditions Comments: It prefers a healthy loamy soil in a sunny south or southwest position, protected from chilly breezes and the early morning sun on frosty mornings. Alkaline soils can cause chlorosis in plants. like a rich soil, although other gardeners believe that a soil that is excessively rich leads to excessive leaf growth. accepts yearly flooding.
Is it possible to grow wisteria in a desert?
Wisteria might be a good option if you want some color in your landscape.
Sometimes a colorful tree, shrub, or climbing vine that draws attention and offers shade in that outside hot location is required by the landscaping. Of course, there are numerous options, but wisteria is among the most impressive. It is also simple to expand.
Wisteria enthusiasts will understand what I’m talking about. If you have never seen a wisteria in full bloom, you are in for a treat because it is quite magnificent. All of these plants have broad, green leaves that, when developed into trees or vines, may cast a great deal of shade very fast. However, people usually pay the most attention to the flowers.
Due to the fact that wisteria belongs to the pea family, all of its blossoms have an unusual shape with two wings on either side and a huge keel petal below. In other words, it has a pea flower appearance. The colors differ depending on the variety, but for me, the violet and deep blue forms particularly catch my eye. Other types may have flowers that are white, pink, or lavender. The color of a flower will largely depend on your personal preference as all of the hues are lovely and striking. The purples and blues just so happen to be my favorites.
When the plant is in full bloom, the huge clusters of blooms give the impression that you are gazing at a colorful waterfall as they drop in a shower of color. In fact, there are usually so many flower clusters that you risk experiencing a color-overload of your senses. Nearly too good to be true, it seems. The wisteria is a striking addition to any landscape because of the abundance of flower clusters and the color of the blossoms.
Of course, there are certain restrictions. There are relatively few plants that are ideal in every manner for every person and circumstance. However, in my opinion, the few drawbacks of wisteria that some people might consider deal-breakers may not bother others as much when they consider the many benefits that the plant can offer to the landscape. However, you might want to carefully examine the following considerations prior to going out and purchasing one for your yard.
It will initially require a little more water than you typically give your low water consumption plants. These plants will require a regular supply of water to be healthy. A wisteria may suffer harm or possibly die if its water supply is cut off.
While we’re about it, refrain from putting a plant with a high water requirement on the same irrigation line as a plant with a low water requirement. For instance, it would not be a good idea to plant a wisteria next to a saguaro since the irrigation system operator would either be shorting the wisteria to protect the cactus or over-irrigating the saguaro to meet the wisteria’s needs. One or the other could eventually die if both were on the same line. Because the roots of the plants frequently entwine in the same soil profile and compete for the same water stored in the soil, low water use and high water use plants must be kept far apart from one another in the landscape. It is easier to provide each plant with the appropriate amount of water by separating high water use plants from low water use plants by spacing them apart from one another.
The quantity of blooms the plant produces is still another qualification. You say, “Wait a minute. ” You simply described that as the plant’s most amazing feature. It is, indeed.
The problem arises when the blooms ripen, dry out, and drop off the plant. There are so many that they could form a windrow of debris with only a little wind. Having said that, it is crucial to understand that they are lightweight and simple to contain. They are therefore simple to pick up and dispose of in the garbage. However, some individuals utilize them as mulch or as a component of a compost pile. Wisteria might not be a smart choice for you if you do not want to deal with litter. This characteristic of wisteria becomes advantageous if you consider the dropped blooms to be natural gold.
Once we’ve overcome those two obstacles, the rest will be simple. Wisteria is a legume plant because it belongs to the pea family. The long seed pod that develops later on as well as the flower’s shape can both be used to infer that. Its resemblance to a pea pod makes it easy to recognize the plant as one of the pea family. Being a legume, the plant has the potential to obtain nitrogen on its own from the atmosphere, which is a crucial nutrient for all plants. In other words, wisteria won’t require fertilization throughout the year assuming normal growth. That’s good news, don’t you think?
Silky wisteria, Japanese wisteria, and Chinese wisteria are the three types of wisteria that are frequently utilized as landscape plants. Each has its advantages, and here in the desert, each may thrive and prosper. There are numerous variants within the species, offering a variety of opportunities to design a singular and alluring environment.
The silky wisteria, or Wisteria brachybotrys, bears white flowers and leaves with nine to thirteen leaflets. Although the bloom cluster is only a little bit long, the blossoms are big, beautiful, and fragrant. The species’ flowers bloom all at once when the tree’s leaves start to bud out. One type of silky wisteria called “Violacea” features purple blossoms.
The Japanese wisteria is W. floribunda. The leaves have fifteen to nineteen leaflets each leaf. Long clusters of violet, violet-blue, white, pink, or lavender flowers are produced by the plant. Just before the plant leaves out in the spring, the blossoms begin to bloom.
The Chinese wisteria is the popular name for the last species, W. sinensis. The flowers emerge before the leaves do in the spring, and each leaf has seven to thirteen leaflets. The violet-blue blossoms have a very faint fragrance. The plant appears to thrive in both full sun and light shade.
Trees, shrubs, and vines can all be trained from wisteria species. They can therefore adapt to the majority of landscapes. By picking a strong stem and pinching off new growth from the sides of the stem as high along the stem as you want the trunk to become, you may train them to take on the shape of a tree. Multiple trunk formats might be preferred by some. If this is the case, it is easy to start by letting as many new stems develop as desired before restricting it as previously described. If the plant only has one stem, you can encourage the formation of additional stems by pinching the tip of the existing stem back to the desired location for new growth. It will be straightforward to guide the growth of new stems in the desired direction. For a vine plant, fasten the stems to a trellis or other sturdy framework before training the stems up it.
Vibrant, vining plants come in a variety of varieties that can fit into any landscape. Wisteria is a popular choice because of its potential for color and tone. Wisteria might be an excellent option if your trellis, pergola, or other structure needs something that will grow over and encompass it.
Call the Master Gardener hotline at (520) 374-6263 to speak with one of our Master Gardener volunteers between the hours of 9 am and 12 pm on any weekday, excluding Saturday and Sunday. You can also leave a message by calling (520) 836-5221, extension 204, at the Cooperative Extension office in Casa Grande, located at 820 E. Cottonwood Lane, Building C.
In Pinal County, Arizona, Rick Gibson serves as both the cooperative extension’s director and an agricultural extension agent.