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Wisteria is a large, hardy vine with beautiful hanging clusters of flowers. According to the website article entitled "Growing Wisteria", written by Jane C. Martin and published by The Ohio State University , this flowering vine, along with the pea, belongs to the Fabaceae genus. The wisteria was given its name as an honor to University of Pennsylvania professor, Caspar Wistar, who passed away in 1818. These beautiful bunches of hanging flowers come in colors such as various shades of purple, blue, pink, and white.
"Growing Wisteria" describes in the following, Japanese and Chinese wisteria, which are the two most common species. It says Chinese wisteria can reach a height exceeding 25 feet. Flowers of the Chinese wisteria open at the same time revealing beautiful hanging clusters that are six to twelve inches in length. A variety of Chinese wisteria with beautiful deep purple blooms is "Black Dragon". This well-favored variety boasts brilliant double blooms. Another variety of wisteria with double blooms is "Plena". These beautiful flowers are lilac in color and shaped like rosettes. "Alba" has showy white flowers with a wonderful fragrance.
Japanese wisteria can also exceed a height of 25 feet. The blooms of this plant range between twelve and eighteen inches in length. These aromatic flowers gradually open until each cluster is in full bloom. A variety of Japanese wisteria with reddish-purple flowers is "Violacea Plena". "Rosea" has light rose colored blooms adorned with purple tips. The clusters of flowers are about 18 inches in length. Another beautiful variety of Japanese wisteria to consider planting is "Longissima". This variety has extremely long, showy clusters of lavender flowers.
The website publication "Plant Amnesty Archives", in the article entitled "Pruning Tips: Wisteria Vines", written by Cass Turnbull and published in 2000 by PlantAmnesty, provides the following recommendations on locations for planting wisteria vines. It says wisteria requires a very sturdy trellis, arbor, or pergola for support. Planting wisteria next to a house or other structure is not advised because of the amazing strength of this plant. Wisteria have been known to cause structural problems, roof damage, and damage to deck or porch railings. Without regular pruning, wisteria can take over a structure. When choosing a location for planting, the size and strength of this plant should be taken into consideration. In addition, "Burpee: Complete Gardener", published in 1995 by Macmillan, Inc., says wisteria require a location that receives full sun with well-draining soil.
To help improve the drainage of the soil once a location has been chosen, "Growing Wisteria" suggests cultivating the soil to a depth of about 24 inches and mixing in compost, peat, or well-cured manure. This should be done at a rate of one part organic material per every three parts of soil. Any rocks, sticks, or debris should be removed from the area before planting.
"Burpee: Complete Gardener" makes the following recommendations concerning the pH level of the soil before planting wisteria. It says it should range between 6,0 and 7.0. There are test kits available in many garden supply stores and most cooperative extension offices. These are very accurate and quite easy to use. When the pH levels are found to be too low, lime may be added according to package directions. If the soil test shows the ground to be too acidic, natural materials such as pine bark, pine needles, and additional peat and manure will help to lower the acid content. The continual use of pine mulch will help keep pH levels in check.
"Growing Wisteria" says vines purchased from a garden center should be planted in the prepared location at a depth equal to the depth the roots were accustomed to. After planting, it says to thoroughly water the base of the wisteria and the area surrounding it. Applications of fertilizer should be given once a year until the plant reaches a desirable size. It may be several years before a newly planted wisteria vine begins to bloom. According to "Pruning Tips: Wisteria Vines", it may take as long as seven years before flowers appear.
It is important to keep wisteria under control by pruning this vine once a year. "Pruning Tips: Wisteria Vines" says this prolific grower cannot be over pruned. It suggests cutting off at least 90% of new growth each fall. In addition, trimming off runners once a month may be necessary to keep it under control. The same article says one runner is capable of growing 12 feet during one season.
Wisteria vines are beautiful indeed, but they are not for those wanting a maintenance-free plant. These plants are so hardy they often outlive their caretaker. Wisteria require yearly care and control, but when planted in a good location with a sturdy support, a wisteria vine can be a lovely addition to the landscape. There is no other flowering vine quite like the wisteria.
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