Spring in full swing

Spring at The Duke Mansion (Photos by Providence landscaping Group)

As we approach the fourth week of spring it appears that every plant and tree is in full bloom, perhaps most notably is one of my favorites, wisteria. Few things say "spring has arrived" as beautifully as this bloom. It is one of the first harbingers of spring, following daffodils that brave the cold and open up as soon as the weather warms. Clusters of purple and pink wisteria blooms can be seen suspended on vines, trailing in and out of pergolas, fence lines, as well as barren tree branches. Just like gardenias and azaleas, wisteria is an essential member of the southern garden.

However, as lovely and fragrant as these blooms may be, they quickly fade, leaving behind an exposed vine that much like ivy, can take over if untrained. In order to avoid overwhelming your property, do some research and learn what type, as there are many, of wisteria best suits your garden. Two of the more popular types originate from China and Japan, having been brought to the US in the early 1800s, but these are two types that as previously touched on, grow fast and quickly consume whatever is in their path if not controlled by regular pruning. To avoid a possible disaster, consider wisteria frutescens, a sedate alternative to Asian wisteria that is native to the southeastern United States. The blooms of this wisteria peak in late spring and early summer, often after the Asian variety fades, with shorter, more compact clusters of dark purple blossoms. If you are inspired to have wisteria in your garden but want to keep from frequent pruning, wisteria frutescens is the creeper for you.

TRIVIA

-The largest wisteria in the world was planted in 1894, grows in Sierra Madre, California, covers 4000 m² and weighs 250 tons. 

-The oldest wisteria can be found in Japan, and is more than 1200 years old. Because the plant continues to grow for such a long time, it symbolises immortality and infinity. 

-Wisteria is poisonous, so be careful with children and pets.

Wisteria in bloom in Charleston, SC (Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick)