Wisteria sinensis Seeds | Potted Plants Chinese Vine
LATIN NAME: Wisteria sinensis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Wisteria
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is a vigorous, woody, twining climber in the pea family, native to woodlands of China, while it is grown for its magnificent, fragrant flowers. The Chinese wisteria is one of the most romantic of the flowering climbers, and its long, fragrant, purple racemes have made it a beloved vine of the gardens of the world. Established plants reach around Twenty metres. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the pea family, Wisteria sinensis draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Species has also been studied in ecology, since it is a native of forests of China, and its vigorous growth has been examined. Raising it from seed today is a matter of ordinary good practice rather than specialist skill.
Uses & Benefits
Chinese Wisteria works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, the Chinese wisteria is a generous vine of late spring garden. Its violet flowers feed bees and other pollinators, and its dense, leafy growth gives shelter for birds, while it brings a cascade of bloom to pergola and the wall. Its economic value lies mainly in horticulture. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Wisteria is a cascade of scented spring glory; its seeds and pods are toxic, so it is a vine to train and admire, never to taste.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Chinese Wisteria under ordinary good conditions. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Given the right start, Chinese Wisteria is a long-term garden companion. Minor errors in timing or watering rarely cost the grower the crop.
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