Wisteria venusta Rosea

The Wisteria venusta 'Rosea' is a Japanese Wisteria, appreciated for its abundant flowering in short clusters of pink flowers with mauve highlights and fragrance. It is the least vigorous of the Wisterias, ideal for small spaces and small supports.

Also called Silky or Graceful Wisteria, it has deciduous leaves with 12 medium green leaflets, ovate in shape and 4 to 8cm (2 to 3in) long. The stems twine clockwise (dextrorse) around solid supports. In May, pendulous clusters of 20cm (8in) long, fragrant, papilionaceous flowers in shades of pink and mauve are formed. The fruits, in the shape of velvety beans, measure from 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) long.

Hardy to -20°C (-4°F) and slow to establish, it likes non-calcareous, well-drained, fertile and deep soils, in sunny or semi-shaded sites that are warm and sheltered from strong winds. The soil should be enriched with organic matter every year. Pruning is done in February, when the flower buds are formed.

With its height of 5m (16ft), the Wisteria venusta 'Rosea' is used to cover walls, railings, pergolas, arbors, and porches for a romantic garden. While Wisteria branches are usually capable of twisting even the strongest supportgrids, this variety is much more "respectful" of the supports that welcome it.