Wisteria sinensis Prolific

Wisteria sinensis 'Prolific' admirably lives up to its name. This exuberant climber blooms in April-May with a deluge of pleasantly scented lavender-blue flowers. It re-blooms, more sporadically, during summer. Wisterias spontaneously wrap their long voluble stems around railings, fences, pergolas, and arbours. These long, green and flexible stems eventually become so powerful that they life their supporting structure. Wisterias are extraordinarily beautiful, exceptionally vigorous, very accommodating, and resistant to the coldest winters.

Wisteria sinensis is a fast-growing climbing plant belonging to the large Fabaceae family. It is native to the humid forests of China, and was introduced to Europe in 1816. Its long voluble stems, which can reach 10m (33ft) in length, lignify with age. Sometimes a bit slow to establish, it is a robust plant that is perfectly resistant to cold. It is not demanding regarding soil (although it fears excessive active limestone), and can grow in poor and dry soils in summer if they are deep.

The 'Prolific' variety distinguishes itself by a faster flowering, abundant lavender and white striped blooms, and a slightly less significant development. Its stems, reaching a height of 8 to 9m (26 to 29ft), spontaneously wind around supports in an anti-clockwise direction. The growth of new, flexible, and villous shoots is very fast, reaching several metres in a season in moist soil. The main flowering of this 'Prolific' variety takes place in April-May, more or less early depending on the climate, on quite young plants. It develops on almost bare branches located not far from the lignified main stems. It bears clusters of papilionaceous lavender flowers that are white at the centre. They measure 30cm (12in) long. The flowers emit a sweet and flowery fragrance in calm weather. They open from the base to the tip of the cluster. The plant slightly re-blooms during summer. The young bronze leaves appear at the end of flowering and then turn a light green colour. They are 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) long and are divided into numerous rounded leaflets, giving the foliage a light aspect. Chinese wisteria can live well over 50 years.

Wisteria sinensis 'Prolific' is the ultimate romantic plant. It is a queen in the realm of climbing plants that can enhance any facade or structure, no matter how modest it may be. This vibrant plant often survives in old, neglected gardens, climbing to the tops of tall trees. It is also particularly useful for covering a wall or an unsightly fence. It wraps itself around a trellis without restraint if left to its own devices, and tends to smother nearby plants. Plant it on its own, in full sun (or partial shade in hot climates). Alternatively, plant it with honeysuckles as powerful as itself, such as Lonicera x delavayi, which is evergreen with a fragrant yellow summer flowering.

However, be patient! The first flowers may not appear until after 2 to 3 years, sometimes longer depending on growing conditions.