Silky Wisteria Shiro-kapitan

This climbing wisteria is suitable for the larger garden, as it can grow very large; it will need the support of a stout pergola or large house wall, with supports. Wisteria brachybotrys f. albiflora Shiro-kapitan is a big, quite fast-growing, deciduous climber, and twines anti-clockwise. The leaves are over a foot long (35cm) and divided into, usually, 11 downy leaflets. Flowers, 4-6”/10-15cm long appear in late spring and early summer, in drooping racemes, white with a central yellow spot, and strongly scented. These are followed by velvety, bean-like pods, 8”/20cm long.This climber is good in an architectural, city or courtyard garden, but you do need a structure big enough to contain the plant, or it will get under your slates. Prune twice a year (see RHS wisteria pruning) and allow ample space for the root-run. Silky wisteria holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any fertile, moist but well-drained soil
Position: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade
Season of interest: Late spring and early summer, and autumn in particular
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  26-40’ (8-12m) Spread: wider than 26’ (8m) in 10-20 years