Wisteria brachybotrys (w.venusta) 'SHOWA-BENI' silky wisteria

Silky wisteria is one gorgeous flowering plant. What makes it different compared to other wisterias are its silky leaves and stumpy racemes of flowers. Showa-beni ('Aka-kapitan') is a recently introduced variety with pink and white flowers with a conspicuous yellow spot. The individual flowers are about twice the size of other wisterias. They open late – in late spring or early summer and have a lovely scent. They are followed by long bean-like seed pods which are poisonous.

Pinnate leaves are fresh to mid green and look rather exotic. They are downy and soft, hence name silky wisteria. The foliage densely covers the plant and its support, which is necessary also for tree-like forms because the wood of this climber remains very flexible for many years. Once the base trunk has hardened up you can remove the support.

The plants flower mainly on short spurs so cut back unwanted side branches to 2-3 leaves to encourage the formation of flowering spurs. Flowers already from the first year. It needs moist but well-drained, acidic soil that is semi-fertile and a sheltered place. Too much fertilizer will end up in vigorous growth and excess foliage but fewer flowers. Limited space for roots can also enhance flowering. Fully hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 23-12-2008.