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Description
Wisteria Sinensis Prolific, commonly known as Chinese Wisteria, is a deciduous climbing plant native to China. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is one of the most popular ornamental plants in the world due to its beautiful flowers and sweet fragrance. The plant can grow up to 30 feet in length and produces clusters of lavender-blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are followed by seed pods that can be up to 6 inches in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Wisteria |
Appearance
The Chinese Wisteria has a twining habit and can climb by attaching itself to any available support. The leaves are pinnate and consist of 7-13 leaflets that are up to 4 inches in length. The flowers are fragrant and can be up to 1 foot in length, with 6 to 12 individual flowers in each cluster. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer, and the flowers can be blue, lavender, pink, or white. The seed pods are velvety and can be up to 6 inches in length.
Care Guide
The Chinese Wisteria is a relatively easy plant to care for. It requires regular watering during the growing season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilization should be done in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The Chinese Wisteria thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Chinese Wisteria is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Aphids and spider mites can be a problem, especially in hot, dry weather. Powdery mildew, leaf spot, and crown gall are common diseases that can affect the plant. Regular pruning and good sanitation practices can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
The Chinese Wisteria is native to China and is commonly found growing in forests, along riverbanks, and on hillsides. It has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental plant and has become naturalized in some areas, including the eastern United States.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Chinese Wisteria?
A: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: When does the Chinese Wisteria bloom?
A: The plant blooms in late spring and early summer.
Q: What type of soil does the Chinese Wisteria prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Chinese Wisteria?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Wisteria floribunda
- Wisteria frutescens
- Wisteria macrostachya
References
- “Wisteria Sinensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 October 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k460>.
- “Wisteria Sinensis Prolific.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 15 October 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/19137/Wisteria-sinensis-Prolific/Details>.
- “Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis).” Clemson Cooperative Extension. Accessed 15 October 2021. <https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/chinese-wisteria/>.
