Wisteria brachybotrys 'IKO YAMA FUJI'

Silky wisteria is one gorgeous flowering plant. What makes it different compared to other species are its silky leaves and stumpy racemes of flowers composed in shorter racemes. Flower colours are usually deeper than those on either Japanese or Chinese wisterias.

Iko Yama Fuji (or Iko-yama-fuji) is a silky wisteria with rich violet blue flowers with a conspicuous yellow spot on a paler upper lip. Individual flowers are pea-like, about twice the size of other wisterias, and have a lovely perfume. They open in late spring and easily avoid late spring frosts. 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. The plants flower mainly on short spurs so cut back unwanted side branches to 2-3 leaves to encourage the formation of flowering spurs.

Wisteria 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; 15-01-2021