When does blue rain bloom?

Wisteria is a genus with six to ten species. Some of them are valued as ornamental trees with lush flowers. There are now numerous varieties that differ not only in the shape and color of the flowers but also in the flowering time.

Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)

The papillae develops aesthetic flowers with a pleasant fragrance, which are about two centimeters larger than the flowers of the sister species from Japan. The grapes can grow up to 20 centimeters long and grow to a height of 25 metres. The Chinese wisteria flowers before the leaves sprout, making the exotic wood an attractive eye-catcher in spring. Its flowers shine in sensual shades of blue with violet nuances. Depending on the variety, the blue coloration varies in intensity. All flower buds unfold at the same time.

• first flowering at the age of ten years
• Main flowering period from mid-April
• second flowering between June and August, weaker

'Prolific'

Characteristic of this variety are deep blue butterfly flowers, which set colorful accents early in the year. The grapes are not only attractive to the human eye. They prove to be magnets for birds and insects. With the early flowering period, which begins as early as April, this variety of Chinese wisteria proves to be a valuable food source for the local fauna. Late frosts can destroy the flower buds, making the strain better suited for cultivation in mild regions.

'alba'

The white wisteria is not only rich in contrast because of its German name. When the white flowers appear in May, the plant develops into a real eye-catcher. They create an aesthetic contrast in front of dark garden hedges. The lepidoptera with their clusters of up to 40 centimeters long make the garden shine well into June. The flowering of the up to 15 meter high trees comes into its own in a single position.

Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda)

This wisteria convinces with the longest inflorescences of all Wisteria species. The grapes are up to 60 centimeters long and are densely covered with large individual flowers. They emerge late, when the leaves have already sprout. The butterfly-shaped petals are dipped in different colors. The palette ranges from light blue to violet and pink to white. The flag can be white or yellow dotted. The Japanese wisteria captivates with a pleasant floral scent reminiscent of grapes.

• blooms between mid-May and June
• Rebloom possible in late summer

'macrobotrys'

This magnificent wisteria is one of the rare varieties of Japanese wisteria, which develops the longest flower clusters. In the right location, they grow up to a meter long. In the temperate latitudes, the tree grows up to six meters high and bears inflorescences in spring that hang down between 30 and 60 centimeters long. The flowering period extends from May to June.

'Longissima Alba'

The white wisteria decorates gardens and planters in spring with snow-white flowers that grow in 40 to 60 centimeter long racemes. The blossoms appear from mid-May and enchant the garden well into June. If the wisteria is in a suitable location, it can bloom again in late summer. In this way, the papilionaceous plants make September shine.

American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)

Among the wisteria, the American Wisteria is the species with the smallest flowers. They are only two centimeters tall and stand together in dense clumps. The spherical to grape-shaped inflorescences reach a length between five and 15 centimeters. Due to the small flowers, the American wisteria enjoys special attention among bonsai artists.

• Species with the latest main bloom
• Flowers develop in early to mid-June
• some varieties bloom as early as May
• Flowering time extends into August

'Longwood Purple'

This fast-growing creeper bears blue-purple flower clusters that are up to 30 centimeters long and strongly scented. The breed derives from the American wisteria and flowers on perennial wood. The first flowers usually appear in June. In particularly mild locations, 'Longwood Purple' flowers as early as May, with or before the leaves sprout. You can enjoy the splendor of the flowers for a particularly long time, because the variety develops its last flowers in August.

'Amethyst Falls' (R)

This American wisteria is one of those rare varieties that flower at a young age. In May, the buds open on the 25 centimeter long panicles. The purple flowers exude an intense aroma that enchants the sense of smell. Insects also feel attracted to the colors and scents, so that the wisteria also serves as a valuable source of nectar for bumblebees and wild bees. During the flowering period, which lasts until July, the intensely colored flowers gradually turn white.

not blooming

Hobby gardeners keep asking themselves why their wisteria does not flower or only blooms unreliably. In addition to suboptimal growth locations, incorrect care measures can also be a cause.

site conditions

Wisteria needs a well-sunned spot on a nutrient-rich soil with moist conditions and high permeability. The brighter and warmer the location, the greater the chance of a second annual bloom. South-facing facades are the best places to grow.

maintenance and pruning

If you have just planted the wood, you must regularly cut shoots during the growth phase. The strong-growing creepers tolerate a radical cut. During the annual pruning measures, make sure that no fresh or one-year-old shoots are cut off. Concentrate on the leading shoots, which are thinned out down to the perennial wood. These measures promote the formation of flowers, so that you can enjoy a rich bloom after just two to three years.

Learn more about climbing plants