White Japanese Wisteria
Wisteria floribunda 'Alba'
Quick Care Guide
Prune: Prune back hard in late winter or early spring, remove spent flowers
Sunlight: Requires full sun for best bloom
Water: Keep soil moist, but well-drained
Fertilize: Feed once a year in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer
Leaves: Dark green, pinnate leaves
Flowers: Fragrant white blooms in spring
Pruning
White Japanese wisteria benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage vigorous blooming. Prune back hard in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or damaged growth. After flowering, remove spent blooms to improve the plant's appearance. Regularly prune to control its growth, especially if it's growing along a structure or trellis. Annual pruning helps prevent it from becoming too invasive.
Watering
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist. Wisteria likes well-drained soil, so avoid soggy conditions that can lead to root rot. Water at the base of the plant to prevent excess moisture on the foliage, which can encourage disease.
Leaves
The leaves of Wisteria 'Alba' are dark green and pinnate, providing an elegant backdrop to its cascading blooms. The foliage is dense and glossy, offering shade and a decorative look throughout the growing season.
Sunlight
Wisteria 'Alba' thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant flowers. Without enough sun, it may not bloom as profusely. It performs best in bright, sunny locations that can accommodate its vigorous growth.
Fertilization
Fertilize wisteria once a year in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can promote excess foliage growth at the expense of blooms. If the plant shows signs of poor growth or weak flowering, a light application of fertilizer can help boost its health.
Flowers
Wisteria 'Alba' produces stunning, fragrant white flowers that hang in long clusters. These blooms appear in mid to late spring, often in May or June, and can create a spectacular display. The flowers are highly fragrant, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. As the flowers fade, they may give way to seed pods, which can be removed to maintain a tidy appearance.