Wisteria brachybotrys Yokohama Fuji

Wisteria brachybotrys 'Yokohama Fuji' is recognisable by its rather short but divinely scented clusters of flowers that display a beautiful range of purple, violet, and mauve. They bloom abundantly in spring, among the young leaves, even on young plants. This highly voluble and vigorous climbing plant is much less exuberant than its Chinese cousin, making it suitable for smaller gardens. This wisteria can easily be trained as a bush and makes very pretty bonsais.

Wisteria 'Yokohama Fuji' is a Japanese horticultural creation selected in Hokayama. It descends from a Japanese species of modest stature called the silky wisteria. It is a deciduous climber, with foliage that appears in spring and falls in autumn. As an adult, it will measure between 4 to 7m (13 to 23ft) in height, depending on how it is pruned and the growing conditions. Its voluble stems bear leaves divided into 9 to 13 oval leaflets, measuring 4 to 7cm (2 to 3in) long. Its stems twine counterclockwise around solid supports. The abundant flowering takes place in May-June, at the same time as the young foliage unfolds, tinged with bronze. The highly scented flowers take the form of pendulous inflorescences, 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) long. The fragrance of the flowers attracts bees and delights the gardener. The clusters are composed of purplish flower buds that open into papilionaceous flowers ranging from violet to pale-mauve. The foliage turns dark yellow in autumn and remains attached to the stems for a long time before falling. Hardy down to at least -20°C (-4°F), the 'Yokohama Fuji' wisteria is easy to grow in any loose, deep, moist to dry soil in summer.

The 'Yokohama Fuji' wisteria is perfect for adorning a wall, railing, pergola, arbour, or porch in a romantic garden. It works well in smaller areas. While wisteria branches can twist even the sturdiest supports, this variety is much more "respectful" of the structures it climbs on. It can also be grown in a large container on a balcony or patio. It pairs well with Clematis montana 'Mayleen', Clematis 'Purpurea Plena Elegans', and perennial peas.