Wisteria brachybotrys (w.venusta) 'SHOWA-BENI' ('AKA-KAPITAN')

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.

Flowers of Showa-beni (or ‘Aka-kapitan’) silky wisteria open from rich pink buds into pastel pink flowers with a conspicuous yellow-green spot on the upper lip. Individual flowers are pea-like, about twice the size of other wisterias, and have a lovely perfume. They are composed in 15-25 cm long racemes and open in late spring, thus 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, which is necessary for a long time because the wood of this climber remains flexible for many years.

Wisteria grown as a standard tree needs a strong support for many years before its trunk hardens enough to hold the crown. Once the trunk has hardened up you can remove the support (after about 5-6 years from transplanting). Wisterias flower mainly on short spurs along the twigs and pruning will encourage setting of flower buds so cut back long branches to 5-10 cm every spring and during the season.

It likes acidic, reasonably fertile soil that is moist but well-drained. No fertilizing recommended. Abundant flowering can be achieved by regular pruning – cut back longest shoots several times a year. It needs full sun. Young plants with soft wood can be damaged by harsh winters. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 22-02-2022