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Wisteria (Wisteria Sinensis) – Deciduous Shrubs
Based in Free Soil, Michigan, Cold Stream Farm is a retail and wholesale supplier of wisteria and other deciduous shrubs. We ship directly from our Michigan headquarters with no minimum order required on wisteria shipments throughout the United States.
Currently, wisteria plants are considered invasive in some areas, with delivery restrictions to Wisconsin and planting limitations in many communities. Our wisteria transplants are available in various sizes or life stages and customers may feel free to reach out to Cold Stream Farm directly with any questions about current or future wisteria shipments.
What is Wisteria Sinensis?
Cold Stream Farm has a limited supply of wisteria (Wisteria Sinensis) which is also called Chinese wisteria. The plant is native to China and was first introduced to English-speaking countries in 1816 with cuttings provided by the East India Trading Company.
In the southeastern United States, where the humid conditions match that of its native China, Asiminiaa Triloba can be considered to be an invasive species. The tree is often seen as a free-standing specimen or growing up and along walls on the outside of buildings.
Notable Wisteria Sinensis Plants
Located in Chiswick, London, the United Kingdom’s oldest Chinese wisteria plant can be seen growing on location at Griffin’s Brewery. In the United States, there is a one-acre wisteria specimen that has been declared the world’s largest flowering plant by the Guinness Book of World Records found in Sierra Madre, California.
Plant Size and Appearance
When it is next to a structure, fence, or wall, a Wisteria Sinensis plant is vine-like, stretching as far as the area will allow it. While wisteria plants can also be trained to grow as standalone trees, they are almost always supported by plants or man-made structures.
Typical wisteria plants grow and expand using counterclockwise stems which cling directly to any supporting materials. Wisteria Sinensis leaves are large, shiny, and green, and tend to bud and emerge shortly after the flowering season in spring.
Wisteria (Wisteria Sinensis) Flowers and Fruit
When in bloom, it is easy to recognize a mature wisteria plant with its stunning bluish-violet flowers each spring. The flowers are very aromatic and said to smell like ordinary grapes. Wisteria Sinensis plants may not flower until they have reached 20 years of age, but the plants tend to live long lives with minimal care required.
Most wisteria plants grow and expand through suckering, but the species also produce small seed-like fruit. The pods are only a few inches long and typically remain on branches through the winter despite opening and spreading the seeds in the summer.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Wisteria Plants
Wisteria plants are going to be the best fit for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, in slightly acidic or neutral soils (pH between 6 and 7 is ideal). Well-drained soil conditions are preferable, and wisteria plants will grow more quickly and produce more flowers in full sun conditions. Partial and semi-shade locations are fine, but full-shade areas are not recommended.
Although they can grow in dry climates, humid areas are best for Wisteria Sinensis. The plant is also very cold-resistant, able to tolerate winter temperatures dropping all the way to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero.
How to Maintain a Wisteria Sinensis Plant
Once established, most wisteria Sinensis plants can thrive in ordinary rainfall conditions, however, regular watering may be necessary for young plants and those in more arid climates.
The plant is somewhat drought tolerant, much more so than resistant to swampy conditions, as poorly drained areas run the risk of severely damaging the plant.
In terms of maintenance, most wisteria growths only require pruning if you desire to shape the plant or stunt its potential to move off-property. It is recommended that wisteria plants are pruned twice per year to encourage more buds and blooms each spring. Fertilization is rarely necessary.
Wisteria plants are rarely affected by insects and other infestations, as they are typically more of a threat themselves. Proper planning and maintenance may be required so that a Wisteria Sinensis plant will not overtake or overwhelm neighboring plants or structures.
A Warning for Chinese Wisteria Interaction
Chinese wisteria plants contain a toxin known as wisteria glycoside or lectin, which is largely contained in its seeds. If consumed by pets or children, parts of a wisteria plant can be poisonous and may cause gastroenteritis. Do not eat any part of a wisteria Sinensis plant, as it may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and other ailments.
Purchase Wisteria shrubs direct from Cold Stream Farm.
Cold Stream Farm has a limited supply of wisteria shrubs, available at various life stages. Please check our current availability in our online store to immediately get started on your retail or wholesale wisteria shipment today. If you have any questions about shipping or future availability, you may contact Cold Stream Farm during normal business and a member of our team will do their best to assist you with your order.
