Silky wisteria Wisteria brachybotrys 'Okayama'
ABOUT
The Wisteria brachybotrys 'Okayama', commonly known as Silky Wisteria, is a visually striking plant known for its stunning floral display. Its most distinguishable features are the densely-packed fragrant flowers that drape in elongated clusters. These floral clusters are typically a deep, rich purple hue with a slightly silky texture, creating a magnificent sight when in bloom. The flowers are complimented by its foliage, composed of green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to the cascading blooms. The Silky Wisteria has a twining growth habit, usually requiring support to climb, such as trellises or pergolas. As it grows, it can create a dense mat of intertwining stems and leaves, forming a picturesque cover that can add natural beauty and elegance to any garden or landscape. Each individual blossom of the Silky Wisteria appears like small pea flowers, which are characteristic of the plant's relatives in the legume family. In addition to its flowers and foliage, the plant also produces seed pods that are smooth and velvety to the touch. These hang from the branches after the flowering period, adding another layer of interest to the plant's appearance throughout its growing season. The overall impression of the Silky Wisteria 'Okayama' is one of romantic beauty, often being the highlight in gardens where they evoke a sense of serenity and charm.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Silky Wisteria, Okayama Wisteria
Common names
Wisteria brachybotrys 'Okayama'.
ToxicityTo humans
Wisteria, including the Wisteria brachybotrys 'Okayama', is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds and pods, contain toxins such as lectin and wisterin, which can cause symptoms if consumed. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, speech problems, and occasionally, respiratory issues. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect Wisteria poisoning.
To pets
Wisteria is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to its effects in humans, all parts of the wisteria plant are poisonous to pets, with the seeds and pods being particularly dangerous. If a pet ingests wisteria, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and confusion. In severe cases, the toxins can cause more significant issues, including dehydration, weakness, and collapse. If you believe your pet has ingested wisteria, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Wisteria brachybotrys 'Okayama', commonly known as Silky Wisteria, is valued for its cascading clusters of fragrant, violet-blue flowers that provide visual interest and add beauty to landscapes.
- Shade provision: The dense foliage can create shaded areas in gardens, making it an ideal plant for creating cool, shaded spots during hot summers.
- Vertical landscaping: Silky Wisteria can be trained to grow on arbors, trellises, and pergolas, helping to add height and structure to garden designs.
- Habitat for wildlife: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health and diversity of the local ecosystem.
- Seasonal interest: In addition to springtime blooms, Silky Wisteria provides seasonal interest with its attractive, pinnate leaves and occasional fall color.
- Cultural symbolism: Wisteria often holds cultural significance, symbolizing love, sensuality, support and long life in various traditions, which can add an element of storytelling or personal significance to a garden.
- Growth control: When pruned correctly, it can be maintained at a desired size, making it versatile for both small and large spaces.
- Property value: Well-maintained ornamental plants like Silky Wisteria can potentially increase property values by enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a home.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wisteria can be trained to grow over arbors and pergolas, creating a stunning and fragrant canopy in a garden or along a walkway.
- The tough, flexible stems of Wisteria can be woven into baskets or other forms of plant-based craftwork.
- Due to its rapid growth and dense foliage, Wisteria can be used for privacy screening, blocking unwanted views with its lush leaves and flowers.
- When pruned and trained properly, Wisteria can be grown as a standard tree, providing an unusual and striking architectural feature in a landscape.
- Wisteria wood, being quite hard and durable, can be used for small woodworking projects such as ornamental carvings or furniture details.
- Artists and photographers often use Wisteria as a picturesque backdrop for portraits, weddings, and other photo shoots because of its aesthetic appeal.
- Some people use the dried seed pods of Wisteria in decorative arrangements or as part of natural craft projects due to their unique shape and texture.
- As a natural dye, parts of the Wisteria plant can be used to produce a range of colors, from greens to browns, for textiles and artwork.
- The cascade of Wisteria blooms can be simulated in icing or sugar work for elaborate and elegant cake decorations, especially popular in springtime themes.
- In bonsai, Wisteria can be trained to mimic aged, miniature trees, showcasing the long cascading blossoms in a compact form that is prized by enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Wisteria is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Wisteria is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Persistence: Wisteria is known for its long life and its ability to survive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing endurance and the ability to thrive over time.
- Love and Romance: The lavish and cascading blossoms of the wisteria can symbolize the overwhelming power of romantic love, as well as the beauty and bliss of new affection.
- Spiritual Ascent: The way the wisteria vine climbs upward is often seen as a symbol of spiritual growth and reaching new heights of understanding.
- Welcoming: In some cultures, wisteria is planted around the home as a gesture of welcoming, suggesting that the home is hospitable and open to visitors.
- Good Fortune: In East Asian cultures, wisteria is often associated with good luck and prosperity, particularly when it blooms profusely.
WaterSilky wisteria requires watering that keeps the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, typically water about once a week, allowing for about 1 inch of water per session. In hotter climates or during particularly dry periods, you may need to increase watering frequency. Reduce watering during the dormant period in the winter, but never allow the soil to completely dry out. Generally, in terms of gallons, this would translate to about half a gallon for a young plant and up to 2 gallons for an established plant every week during active growth.
LightSilky wisteria flourishes in a position where it receives full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would offer at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage generous flowering. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as this can reduce blooming and increase the risk of disease due to insufficient light.
TemperatureSilky wisteria is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best when the environment is between 55°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F. Be cautious of extremely hot temperatures over 100°F, as these can stress the plant.
PruningPruning silky wisteria is necessary to control its vigorous growth and to promote flowering. Prune in late winter to shape the plant and remove any unwanted or dead growth. Then, conduct a secondary pruning in mid-summer, after flowering, to tidy the plant and encourage additional blooms for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSilky wisteria thrives in well-draining, fertile loamy soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). A mix combining garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand in equal parts would be ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingSilky wisteria should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to provide fresh soil and encourage growth. However, mature plants can be repotted less frequently, as they are typically planted in the ground.
Humidity & MistingSilky wisteria prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions typically found outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, prune regularly, ensure large pot.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide support, prune for shape.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleWisteria brachybotrys 'Okayama', commonly known as Silky Wisteria, starts its life as a seed, germinating in favorable conditions of moist, well-drained soil and full sunlight. After germination, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant with a fast-growing vine that can reach extensive lengths, requiring sturdy support for climbing. As it matures, the plant develops its characteristic pinnate leaves and in spring, produces long, drooping clusters of fragrant, blue-violet flowers. Following the flowering period, the plant produces velvety seed pods that mature in summer and can self-sow or be harvested for propagation. The Silky Wisteria enters a period of dormancy in the winter, with leaf fall and cessation of active growth. This woody vine can live for many years, with some specimens living over a century, continuing to flower annually while increasing its spread and size.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Wisteria brachybotrys 'Okayama', also known as silky wisteria, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is usually performed in late spring or early summer when new growth is soft and pliable. The branches are cut into lengths of about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters), ensuring each piece has at least a couple of leaves or nodes. The bottom end of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development, then it is planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a bright, indirect light location until roots have developed, after which they can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
