Wisteria floribunda 'Shiro-noda'
Wisteria floribunda 'Shiro-noda' is one of the oldest white varieties of Japanese Wisteria, having been bred for centuries. Its blooms are long, almost pure white with a yellow eye, and have a delightful scent. This superb variety typically produces flowers that are about 60 cm long, appearing later in the main wisteria flowering season, from late May to June. Its foliage starts off as pale green and matures into a dark green colour. While it is less vigorous than most wisterias, it has still been awarded the RHS AGM for its exceptional qualities. This type of wisteria is deciduous.
Caution: This plant is harmful if ingested.
Flowering time: May - June
Height: 9m
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant wisteria in the UK?
Autumn or spring are both suitable, as long as the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Planting in autumn often helps roots settle before the next growing season.
How often should I prune wisteria for reliable flowering?
Most gardeners prune twice: once after flowering in summer, then again in late summer to keep shoots tidy and encourage flower buds for next year. Regular pruning also helps control spread and keeps it manageable on walls and trellis supports.
Why isn’t my wisteria flowering yet?
Common causes include too much shade, over-feeding, or the plant still getting established, especially in its early years. Also check whether it’s grafted (often flowers sooner) or grown from seed (can take much longer to bloom).
Will frost damage wisteria in winter?
Wisteria is generally hardy, but late frosts can sometimes nip young shoots or buds in early spring. A sheltered position and avoiding overly early soft growth (from high feeding) helps reduce risk.