Also known as Glenda · Glicine · Pruneau
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is a vigorous, twining deciduous vine known for its stunning cascading racemes of fragrant, pea-like flowers in spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained. Water deeply during dry periods.
Well-drained, fertile loam.
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperate climates; hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Protect from extreme cold.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed in early spring with a balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds, pods, and roots, containing wisterin.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Chinese wisteria regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering encourages stronger root development.
Reduce watering frequency in winter when the plant is dormant to prevent root rot. Check soil moisture before watering.
Prune Chinese wisteria twice a year. In late winter or early spring, prune back long, overgrown shoots to encourage flowering spurs.
After flowering in summer, prune back new, wispy growth to maintain shape and size, and to direct energy into blooming next season.
Chinese wisteria is best propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn. Root cuttings in moist, well-draining compost. Grafting is also a common method for cultivars.
Seeds can be sown but may not come true to type and take many years to flower.
Repot established Chinese wisteria plants only when severely root-bound, typically every 3-5 years. Use a large container with good drainage. This is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Prune roots lightly to encourage new growth.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
Where Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Wisteria |
| Species | Wisteria sinensis |
Similar in genus Wisteria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
