White Flowering Wisteria

White flowering Wisteria is an amazing vine that produces extra long (up to 24 inches!) clusters of the most fragrant and pristine white flowers in late spring. This Wisteria floribunda ‘longissima alba’ is completely cold hardy in USDA zone 4-9 and grows well in a wide range of soil conditions. Although this variety of Wisteria is native to Japan, it was introduced to the United States in the 1830s as an ornamental plant. Famously, Monet planted and painted this beautiful white Wisteria vine at his home in Giverny, France where it can still be viewed. 

Wisteria is easily trained to cover railings, fences, and sturdy pergolas, and makes a great choice to create a private space from neighbors and busy roads. The gorgeous flower clusters attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators early in the season. After flowering, the attractive lime green foliage remains dense and free of pests and disease to provide a lovely backdrop until the first frosts in fall. Wisteria is incredibly drought tolerant and does not require heavy fertilizing. Wisteria floribunda can be trained as a climbing vine or grown and trimmed into a tree form (standard), which grows well in large pots for a stunning decoration on a patio or deck in full sun.

White Flowering Wisteria Care

Wisteria grows and blooms best in full sun and only requires moderately fertile and well-drained soil to grow successfully. White Wisteria is not particular about soil pH and texture. Heavy clay soils may need amending with 2-3 inches of organic compost to help them drain better. Wisteria will benefit from a low-nitrogen fertilizer applied in the early spring after flowering has finished. Choose a slow-release, granular formula to top-dress the soil around the base of the vine. 

Wisteria may be the ultimate symbol of a well-tended garden. This is a strong vine that can cause structural damage and roof issues when planted on the side of a house. Cutting back wayward stems regularly through the growing season keeps the plant in bounds and less likely to grow under siding boards, roof shingles, and window frames. A hard pruning in early autumn will set the stage for heavy blooming in the spring. Cut all stems back to the main branches, leaving short spurs of 3-4 buds for the next season's growth. Deadhead spent flowers to decrease the amount of seed pods that develop. These pods are poisonous to humans and animals.

White Flowering Wisteria Spacing

White Flowering Wisteria tends to be a moderately growing vine that can reach an overall length of 25 feet. Typically, the base of the plant does not get wider than 8 feet, and individual main stems attain a 2-3 inch diameter. Space companion plants 2 feet from the base of the Wisteria to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

White Flowering Wisteria Information