Wisteria Pros and Cons: Should You Be Growing This Vine?

Wisteria is a beautiful plant that has amassed a legion of devoted fans. Throughout history, it has predominantly been grown for its beauty, with its delicate cascade of lavender blossoms trailing to the ground in enchanting formations. In Chinese mythology, wisteria is associated with the abodes of the immortals, and in France, it once adorned the estates of Napoleon. 

However, few people are aware of wisteria’s insidious nature: while it may be a pretty flower, it has a tendency to strangle and choke out native flora. Both Japanese (Wisteria floribunda) and Chinese forms (Wisteria Sinensis) are incredibly difficult to tame, creeping with alarming alacrity to fell old-growth forests. It’s been known to engulf pine trees, and it’s a beautiful sight while it lasts – the tree’s branches are laden with frothy lilac blooms, almost like a paradisiacal Christmas tree. Sooner or later, though, the tree will snap under its weight. 

Despite its sinister nature, worshippers of wisteria continue to exalt its beauty, particularly favoring the deep lilac colors, although pink, white, and lavender colors are also available. Read on to discover whether you should be growing this vine in your garden. 

Benefits to Growing Wisteria

Under the right guidance, wisteria can be a great home feature that stands out in its timeless elegance. 

• High ornamental appeal: Invasiveness aside, wisteria is bound to paint a pretty picture when seen creeping over old crumbling castle walls or romantically arching over trellises. Whenever it goes, wisteria seems to magically transform the area into a veritable fairytale – the yards and yards of lacey blossoms are truly a sight to behold.
• Attractive to pollinators: The aromatic, nectar-rich blossoms of wisteria provide forage for a variety of beneficial pollinators including bees and butterflies.  
• Sweet-smelling scent: Its scent, which can range from a subtle hint to an overpowering perfume, is said to be reminiscent of jasmine combined with the headiness of tuberose. Cultivars of Wisteria floribunda, Wisteria sinensis, and Wisteria brachybotrys are particularly fragrant while other varieties may exude a more musky, diluted scent. 
• Quick growing and vigorous: Wisteria’s reputation as a vigorous grower ensures that there’s no hassle in promoting its growth, which comes as a boon to gardeners who are trying to quickly cover raggedy areas. Once established, it can cover several feet in the span of single year.  

 

Cons of Growing Wisteria

Gardeners are cautioned against growing wisteria near their houses due to the potential structural damage it can cause – too close, and its tenacious tendrils can encroach into the façade, creep into crevices, and shatter glass windows. Eventually, if its vines are not removed, the building foundation can splinter and bow under the pressure. 

• Invasive growth: As mentioned, wisteria is an invasive grower that can quickly strangle native vegetation, quickly shading out plants and killing trees. It’s become so invasive that it is devasting some parts of North America. It’s also devilishly difficult to eradicate once established, with removal calling for chemicals that can cause harm to the landscape. 
• Expensive to maintain: Many gardeners are drawn to the picturesque images of wisteria gracing various Old World facades and gothic treillages, but what isn’t mentioned is the high cost involved. Many property owners spend considerable amounts to maintain its shape, which can turn away casual gardeners. 
• Involves extensive pruning: Much like a hot-headed colleague with a repressed temper, wisteria is notorious for being difficult to manage. A lot of time is spent wrangling wisteria into shape – pruning twice a year is necessary. It’s also a prolific seed spreader, sending runners several yards away. 
• Seeds are toxic: During the spring, its seed pods twist open and explode, dispersing into the open with a popping noise. Although the fuzzy seed pods are fun to hold in your hand, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t shove them into your mouth. The seeds are highly toxic to animals and children due to the presence of toxins lectin and wisterin. 

Should I be Growing Wisteria?

In a formal garden, where it is meticulously pruned and kept under control, wisteria flourishes as specimen plantings. It’s also commonly seen draping over fences on large estates, where it poses little risk. However, in other settings – namely your suburban neighborhood – it’s probably not a great idea for wisteria to hang around long. The short answer is that the average garden hobbyist should avoid growing wisteria. That said, if you have the time, means, and patience to manage it, feel free to give it a try. 

Don’t Grow Wisteria if You: 

• Don’t have a lot of time or patience for pruning   
• Don’t have an expansive yard space 
• Have a limited budget 
• Are more of a casual gardener 

If you’re insistent on growing wisteria, there are native varieties available that are less aggressive, though keep in mind that they can still crawl under siding if kept too close to your house. Wisteria can be grown in pots and circular raised beds as a compact tree, though you’ll need to ensure that the container is at least 24 inches in diameter and deep enough to accommodate its roots – Silky wisteria (Wisteria brachybotrys) and American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) are recommended for their long racemes.  

Alternatives to Growing Wisteria

It can be quite disappointing when wisteria evolves into a monstrous nightmare that devours everything in sight instead of the heavenly flower it masquerades as. If you find yourself conflicted about growing wisteria, there are several alternatives available. Many floriferous vining plants can be trained to climb over a pergola or trellis in splendor. Climbing roses especially can achieve the same effect as a wisteria tree. 

Trellis-loving plants:

• Trumpet honeysuckle 
• Morning glory 
• Climbing roses (David Austin roses)
• Passionflower  
• Clematis