Evergreen wisteria – a plant to know

It’s blooming now, and its flowers are a rich maroon purple. Evergreen wisteria is a refined growing vine. Photo by Neil Sperry. All photos are clickable for larger views.

You don’t come across this handsome vine very often, but when you do, you’ll probably remember it. It somewhat resembles spring-flowering wisteria, but its flowers are a rich, royal burgundy color, and they appear in late summer into early fall (now). And two other differences have to do with its foliage and stem growth. The plant is evergreen, and they aren’t as aggressive.

That said, let’s outline some of the important things.

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Facts you’ll want to know…
• Common name: Evergreen wisteria (but not a true wisteria)

• Scientific name: Millettia reticulata, named for the 19th Century plant collector Charles Millet who worked for the East India Company in Canton and Macao. He sent numerous plant specimens to Glasgow’s botanical garden. The species name “reticulata” refers to the net-like veins in the leaves.

Its flower clusters, popular with pollinators, look like crushed velvet. Photo by Neil Sperry.

• Plant Family: Fabaceae, or the legume family.

• Native home: China, Northeast Vietnam, and Taiwan.

• Mature size: 15-20 ft. tall and 4-10 ft. wide. Space plants 6 ft. apart.

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• Soil needs: Highly organic loam soil with pH of 6.0-8.0.

• Preferred exposure: Full to part sun. If shade, afternoon shade is best.

• Winter-hardy in U.S.: USDA Zones 8-11 (May suffer some damage as far north as DFW in extreme cold.)

• Great pollinator plant.

Evergreen wisteria is a great little vine to cover an urban trellis where you don’t want something massive. Photo by Steve Huddleston.

• Best landscape uses: Vertical spaces on trellises, overhead arbors and pergolas, or trained on wall or other vertical structure. Vines become heavy with age, so supports should be substantial.

Note: This plant may be scarce in the retail nursery trade. You’re most likely to find it in full-service independent retail garden centers where you can talk to the actual buyer. If all else fails, it roots easily from cuttings taken in late spring.

Posted by Steve Huddleston

About the Author

Steve Huddleston served as Senior Horticulturist at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden before his retirement. He then returned to the Garden as Public Relations Manager. He retired from that second position as well, but don’t expect to see him in the domino hall. Steve manages his own landscape design business which still gives him an opportunity to create beauty with plants. And, Grandpa Steve is going to be spending special family time in the future as well. And, of course, writing for e-gardens monthly.

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