Wisteria drapes pergolas and arbors in long, cascading clusters of fragrant blooms each spring, on a vine strong and vigorous enough to eventually pull down a poorly built structure.
Native to East Asia and the eastern United States, wisteria is beloved for its spectacular spring display but requires sturdy support and regular pruning to keep its famously fast, woody growth in check.
Wisteria symbolizes long life and enduring devotion, its clinging, twining growth long associated with romantic love that lasts.
Wisteria wants full sun and a very sturdy structure to climb — its mature woody stems are heavy and powerful enough to damage flimsy trellises over time. Prune hard in late winter and again lightly in summer to control size and encourage more flower buds rather than just leafy growth.
All parts of wisteria, especially the seeds and pods, are toxic if ingested, so it should be grown strictly for ornament and kept away from children and pets.
