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Growth Rate
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- Growth Rate: Rapid; can grow several feet per year under optimal conditions.
- Final Size: Can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet, depending on support.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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No |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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Attracts: - Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to the fragrant flowers, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Growth Season: Spring to Fall
- Winter Interest: The vine may lose its leaves in winter, but its structure adds visual interest during dormancy.
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Ideal For
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– Arbors and pergolas – trellises – fences – large-scale vertical screening – trained along wires or walls – cottage gardens – ornamental showpiece for spring blooms |
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Leaf Description
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The leaves are pinnate, consisting of 7 to 13 leaflets that are bright green and provide a lush backdrop for the stunning flowers. |
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Flower Description
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- Flower Details: Long, hanging clusters of fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that attract attention and fill the air with a sweet scent.
- Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer (typically May to June), with the potential for a second bloom in late summer.
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Planting Instructions
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- How to Plant: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Position the plant in the center, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall for optimal establishment.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– Prune twice per year for best results:
– Summer (July–August): Cut back long, whippy shoots to 5–6 buds to control size and shape
– Winter (January–February): Further shorten those same shoots to 2–3 buds to encourage flower bud formation
– Remove suckers and unwanted basal shoots regularly
– Young plants may take 2–3 years to bloom; pruning promotes flowering maturity
– Train over strong supports like pergolas, trellises, or arbors – wisteria can become heavy |
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Water Needs
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- Water Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Once established, it can tolerate moderate drought.
- Frequency: Water regularly, particularly during dry spells.
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Light Needs
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Thrives in full sun; at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for the best flowering. |
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Harvesting
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– Not typically harvested for food or decoration due to toxicity
– Flowers may be used cautiously in floral arrangements (non-edible)
– Any harvesting should be for ornamental cut flower purposes only
– Collect seed pods in late summer only for propagation purposes, and with caution |
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Fertilizing
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- When to Fertilize: Early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Frequency: Once a year is generally sufficient for optimal growth.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant, though occasional monitoring for aphids or powdery mildew is advised.
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Pollination
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Primarily insect-pollinated, attracting bees and butterflies. |
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Companion Plants
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– Clematis (early or late bloomers) – intertwines well and extends bloom season
– Roses (especially climbing types) – romantic, cottage-style pairings
– Honeysuckle – combines fragrance with flower color variety
– Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris – shade-tolerant climber that pairs beautifully on opposite walls or posts
– Hosta – excellent ground cover for shaded base of wisteria pergolas
– Lavandula (Lavender) – sun-loving and low-growing; contrasts wisteria's vigorous climbing habit
– Salvia nemorosa – pollinator-friendly and blooms as wisteria fades
– Allium – structural globe flowers at ground level enhance vertical wisteria display
– Daylilies – drought-tolerant perennials that add vibrant base color in summer |
