Wisteria (white) - Hardy plant

Make sure the root ball of the ‘Alba’ is suitably moist by soaking it in a bucket full of lukewarm water overnight. Prepare a suitable hole in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Improve the soil by adding some compost and garden fertiliser, especially when planted near the wall. Plant the root ball at the appropriate depth in the hole - the top of the root ball should be just slightly below ground level. Fill the hole with soil and press firmly down. Water immediately after planting. Wisteria belongs in full sunshine.

The Japanese Wisteria is a climbing plant

The Japanese Wisteria 'Alba' is a climber with rapidly-growing shoots which are used to climb with. Train them to climb in the appropriate direction. This plant is best used as a solitary plant. With some patience, it is even possible to let the Japanese Wisteria grow as a tree. Provide support using a sturdy climbing pole next to the main trunk.

For a good growth and a rich flowering of the Japanese Wisteria, it is recommended to train some of the lateral shoots along a wall or a pergola. The Japanese Wisteria is a strong plant requiring minimal maintenance. Give it extra water during dry periods. Protect it over winter with a thick mulch of garden compost.

The Japanese Wisteria needs to be pruned

You can prune your Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda ‘Alba’) twice a year. Tie in a few long, lateral shoots and cut back the sub-lateral shoots to 2-3 buds when pruning in January or February. After flowering in July trim all lateral branches to about 4-5 leaves each. This keeps the plant compact and helps towards a rich flowering in the following year.

The Japanese Wisteria is one of the most beautiflul climbers. The small, double, white flowers hang in long, graceful, drooping clusters. The swaying branches of the Japanese Wisteria are very powerful and can damage sensitive materials such as drain pipes. Its seeds are poisonous.