Wisteria floribunda Premature

Wisteria floribunda Premature is a variety of Japanese wisteria that is interesting for its ability to flower from a young age, starting from the first or second year. Just like its sisters, it blooms abundantly before the leaves fully unfold, and then again more timidly in summer, among the lush foliage. Its clusters of mauve-blue flowers emit a light fragrance in calm weather. Its long twining stems twist clockwise around their support, unlike those of its Chinese cousin. Wisterias are vigorous climbers that transform grids, fences, arbours, and pergolas in spring.

The Japanese wisteria, Wisteria floribunda in Latin, is a fast-growing climbing plant belonging to the large Fabaceae family, like clover, alfalfa, and lupins. It is native to Japanese forests and was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century. Its long twining stems, which can reach or exceed 10 metres in length, lignify with age. Sometimes a bit slow to establish, it is a robust plant, perfectly resistant to cold, not very demanding in terms of soil (although it fears excessive active limestone), capable of growing in poor and dry soils in summer if they are deep. Its roots are deep and trailing.

The 'Premature' variety is a natural hybrid that is mainly distinguished by its early flowering. Its stems naturally wrap around supports. The growth of new shoots is very rapid, reaching several metres in a single season in cool soil. The flowering takes place shortly after that of Chinese wisterias, in May-June, even on young plants. It develops on branches located near the lignified main stems. It takes the form of pendulous clusters of papilionaceous flowers, measuring 18 to 24 cm in length, less fragrant than those of Chinese wisteria, but more staggered on the vegetation. They open successively, from the base to the tip of the cluster. After the flowers, pendulous pods appear, flat and green, turning brown when ripe. The young bronze-coloured leaves appear just before flowering and then turn a light green colour. They are 20 to 30 cm long and divided into 13 to 19 ovate leaflets, giving the foliage a light appearance. Before falling in autumn, the leaves take on a beautiful warm golden colour. Very long-lasting, the Premature Wisteria can live well over 50 years. Its flowering is nectar-bearing and honey-producing.

The 'Premature' Japanese wisteria is the epitome of a romantic plant. A queen in the realm of climbing plants, capable of enhancing a facade or structure, no matter how modest. This vibrant plant often outlives the person who planted it, in old neglected gardens. It is also particularly useful for covering a wall or hiding an unsightly fence. It wraps itself around a fence or trellis without restraint if left to its own devices and tends to smother surrounding plants. It is best suited for a solitary position, in full sun or partial shade in warm climates. Alternatively, it can be paired with equally robust honeysuckles, such as Lonicera (x) delavayi, which is evergreen and has fragrant yellow summer flowering, or with the Banksia rose 'Alba Plena', thornless and covered in small white pompom-like flowers in May. The floribunda wisteria also pairs well with the Clematis montana.

However, be patient: the first flowering of the Wisteria may not appear for 2 to 3 years, depending on the growing conditions.