Wisteria sinensis ‘Prolific’ (Chinese Wisteria)

Sweetly fragrant, Wisteria sinensis ‘Prolific’ (Chinese Wisteria) is a free-flowering deciduous climber, producing masses of pendulous clusters, up to 1 ft. long (30 cm), packed with scented, pea-like, blue-violet blossoms. Appearing before the leaves in late spring to early summer, they bloom repeatedly during the summer. They are followed by attractive, velvety, bean-like pods, 6 in. long (15 cm), which ripen in the fall and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the foliage of light green, pinnate leaves which consist of 7 to 13 leaflets. ‘Prolific’ often flowers from a young age.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• A large, long-lived climber, Chinese Wisteria can grow up to 30 ft. (9 m). It climbs by twining anticlockwise (from left to right around the axis).
• Thrives in full sun or part shade, in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant. Best flower production is obtained in full sun.
• Can be grown through a large tree or more formally against a house wall, arbors, pergolas, trellises, fences, or trained as a free-standing half standard in a container. It must be sited and trained on sturdy structures which will be able to support the heavy weight of the mature Wisteria. Grow this plant around patios where the flowers can be enjoyed. 
• Susceptible to foliage-chewing insects and fungal diseases, but none are significant. Deer resistant
• Needs regular pruning in order to control the size and shape of the plant and to promote flowering. 
• Propagate by layering, softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, or grafting. Choose sites wisely because plants dislike being transplanted. 
• All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Wisteria sinensis species is native to temperate Asia, China.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• If you love the spectacular beauty of wisteria, the native American species, Wisteria frutescens, is a great alternative. It is less invasive than its Asian cousins and much less likely to get out of control.