Plant profile
Wisteria
Quick facts
Botanical name: Wisteria sinensis; Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria). In SAF's language of flowers, wisteria means steadfast.
Wisteria at a glance
- Meaning
- steadfast
- Colors
- Lavender
- Purple
- Blue-violet
- White
- Pink
- Vase life
- Grown as a plant, not usually sold cut.
- Season
- Spring.
- Also called
- Chinese wisteria, American wisteria
Pet safety
All parts, especially seeds and pods, are toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
About wisterias
A vigorous woody vine famous for its drooping, grape-like flower clusters 6 to 12 inches long, mildly fragrant, that open in spring often before the leaves. A garden and arbor plant; cut sprays wilt quickly.
Caring for wisterias
Also called: Chinese wisteria, American wisteria. A vigorous woody vine famous for its drooping, grape-like flower clusters 6 to 12 inches long, mildly fragrant, that open in spring often before the leaves. A garden and arbor plant; cut sprays wilt quickly.
Garden vine: full sun, sturdy support, regular pruning to control growth; Chinese wisteria is invasive in parts of the US - NC State recommends the native Wisteria frutescens.
Questions about wisterias
What does the wisteria mean?
In the traditional language of flowers, the wisteria stands for "steadfast".
What colors do wisterias come in?
Wisterias come in lavender, purple, blue-violet, white and pink.
How do you care for wisterias?
Garden vine: full sun, sturdy support, regular pruning to control growth; Chinese wisteria is invasive in parts of the US - NC State recommends the native Wisteria frutescens.
Are wisterias safe around pets?
All parts, especially seeds and pods, are toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Where can I buy wisterias?
From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.
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