Wisteria, Evergreen
EVERGREEN WISTERIA
Callerya reticulata
Synonyms (past names): Millettia reticulata, Milletia cognata, Milletia kiangsiensis, Wisteriopsis reticulata
mil-LET-ee-uh reh-tick-yoo-LAY-tuh
FAMILY: Fabaceae (Legume)
HEIGHT: 12 – 15 feet
SPACING: 4 – 6 feet
HABIT: Vining plant for full sun that is mostly evergreen. Purple summer blooms in late summer to early fall. Evergreen shiny foliage.
ZONE: Hardy in zones 8 – 10.
CULTURE: Easy to grow in well-prepared soils in full sun. Average water needs. Water regularly but do not overwater. USDA Zone 9-11. Can be planted from seeds or transplants.
PROBLEMS: Few when grown under an organic program.
NOTE: According to the University of Florida Extension, “Evergreen wisteria (Millettia reticulata) is not only a beautiful and fragrant perennial vine, it’s also an excellent alternative to the more commonly seen Chinese wisteria, which is an exotic invasive plant. Sometimes called summer wisteria, this plant is native to southern China and Taiwan, but is not invasive. Neither is it truly a wisteria, although both plants are part of the legume family.”
