Wisteria sinensis - Chinese wisteria - €12 per plant

Wisteria is probably one of the most beautiful climbing plants and nitrogen fixer to boot. It can take a few years to settle in but when it does the cascading waterfalls of purple petals make it a prize option to train up structures. As well as it's beauty, the plants are very functional. They are tolerant of even the most drastic pruning, re-growing quickly when cut right back to the base. The nitrogen fixing ability of these plants, fast growth after pruning and the plants ability to utilize vertical space makes it a great choice for a biomass plant. It's also a great plant for attracting wildlife providing ample nectar and pollen for the bees and other pollinating insects. To order this plant please contact us. [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: E. Asia - China. Locally naturalized in Europe​
  • native habitat: Clambering over cliffs and trees on woodland edges at low altitudes in W. China
  • family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Pest and Predators

  • Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full shade - Semi-shade
  • soil pH: Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
  •  Succeeds in partial shade. ​
  • Plants can become chlorotic on alkaline soils
  • A soil that is too rich results in excessive foliage at the expense of flowering

Known hazards 

  • The seed of all members of this genus is poisonous. The bark contains a glycoside and a resin that are both poisonous. 

Overview

  • Deciduous Climber growing to 18 m at a fast rate.
  • It is in flower from May
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
  • Nitrogen Fixer 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
  •  It prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: Deciduous climber 
  • layer : Vertical or Ground Layer
  • habit: climbing/creeping
  • height x width (m): 25m x 20m​

Products & Uses

  • Flowers ​- caution is advised as the seeds are poisonous. Flowers can be cooked, boiled or made into fritters. The flowers are also cured in sugar then mixed with flour and made into a famous local delicacy called 'Teng Lo'.
  • Leaves - The leaves contain allantoic acid and are used as a tea substitute. The young leaves have also been eaten.
  • A fiber from the stems can be used to make paper.

Functions, behaviours

  • One of few climbing Nitrogen Fixing plants that can be grown in the temperate zone 
  • Prefers a good loamy soil in a sunny south or south-west facing position, sheltered from cold winds and from early morning sun on frosty mornings.
  • Plants can take a few years to settle down after planting out
  • Sparrows and other birds frequently eat the young buds of this plant
  •  Plants sometimes have a second season of flowering in August
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project