Northwest Blooms · Vines
Wisteria floribunda 'Alba'
White Japanese Wisteria
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Height
- 20 to 30+ ft (can climb very high on strong support)
- Width
- 10 to 20+ ft (with support and training)
- Flower color
- Pure white, pendulous clusters of fragrant blossoms
- Foliage color
- Medium to deep green pinnate leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun for best flowering
- Water
- Moderate moisture
- Maintenance
- High; requires sturdy support (arbor, pergola, strong trellis), annual pruning (summer and winter) to control vigor
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; attractive to beneficial insects due to abundant nectar
About this plant
Wisteria floribunda 'Alba' bears long, cascading clusters of pure white, pea-shaped flowers that open sequentially from the base to the tip of each raceme. The blossoms release a light, sweet fragrance and appear against fresh green, pinnate foliage that emerges in spring and remains attractive through the growing season.
Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer. This cultivar originates from the Japanese species Wisteria floribunda, long cultivated for ornamental gardens. It is widely used on pergolas, arbors, walls, and sturdy trellises, where its graceful draping habit and pale blooms create dramatic vertical interest and soft seasonal emphasis.
Works well in
Arbors & Trellises · Fences & Walls · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Bee balm · Clematis · Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Climbing roses
Design tip
The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. Train the main stems early on a trellis or fence so the growth spreads sideways rather than bunching at the top.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Point Defiance Park.
