Comparing Wisteria varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Wisteria family and have some observations to share. dramatic seasonal transformations from bare stems to full cover varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — training new growth to the support structure while still flexible applies across all of them.

slow establishment in the first season before taking off affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a tree stump or old structure being naturalised which works well for most varieties. bare structure in winter revealing the interesting stem framework is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.