Chinese Wisteria

*Invasive species

Scientific Name: Wisteria sinensis
Common Names: Chinese Wisteria, Blue Wisteria, Purple Wisteria

Native to: China
Lighting Requirements: Full sun
Height: 20 to 30 feet (as a vine)
Width: 10 to 15 feet (spreads vigorously)
Winter Look: Deciduous; loses leaves in the winter
Seasonal Interest: Stunning, fragrant, cascading clusters of purple to bluish-lavender flowers in spring, followed by green leaves that turn yellow in the fall
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; prefers regular moisture but can tolerate dry spells once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil
pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5–8
Deer Resistance: Low; deer may browse on the plant
Attracts: Pollinators, especially bees and butterflies
Toxicity: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested, particularly the seeds and pods
Potential Issues: Can be invasive and overly aggressive in some areas; needs regular pruning to control its growth and prevent it from becoming too woody or overwhelming other plants
Notes: Chinese Wisteria is a vigorous, fast-growing vine prized for its spectacular spring display of fragrant, cascading flowers. Often used to cover trellises, arbors, and pergolas, this vine creates a stunning focal point in gardens. It may sound great, but it likes more acidic soil than we typically have in Central Texas; it likes cooler weather, and is on the Texas invasive species list.