Wisteria sinensis

Wisteria sinensis, or Chinese wisteria, is an exuberant climbing plant with mauve-violet flowers gathered in 30cm (12in) long clusters that bloom at the same time as the foliage. The flower clusters open from the base to the tip throughout May and emit a subtle honey fragrance.

Chinese wisteria is the quintessential plant to adorn pergolas with its beautiful foliage, its exceptional flowering, and its pod-like fruits at the end of the season. It is also particularly useful for covering a wall or disguising an unsightly fence.

This highly vigorous plant wraps itself around a fence or trellis. It always winds in a counter-clockwise direction. It does have a tendency to smother surrounding plants. Plant it in on its own in full sun.

It is a long-lasting climber that can live for over 50 years. However, be patient: its first flowering only appears after 2 to 3 years.