Wisteria floribunda Alba (White Japanese Wisteria)

This famous Wisteria variety can be admired on the Japanese Bridge, in Claude Monet's garden in Giverny, France. Wisteria floribunda 'Alba' is a beautiful white-flowered Japanese Wisteria with very long clusters, up to 24 in. long (60 cm), of pea-like, fragrant white flowers. They appear in late spring or early summer when the leaves open. They bloom in succession from the base and produce a dramatic floral display. The flowers are followed by attractive, velvety, green, bean-like pods, which ripen in fall and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the dense foliage of light green, pinnate leaves which turn yellow in fall. Large and vigorous, 'Alba' is a deciduous climber that is perfect for training against a sunny house wall or covering a patio arbor or fence.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• A long-lived climber, this Japanese Wisteria can grow up to 30 ft. tall (9 m) and 20 ft. wide (6 m). It climbs by twining clockwise (from left to right around the axis). 
• Thrives in full sun or part shade, in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant. Best flower production is obtained in full sun.
• Can be grown against a house wall, arbors, pergolas, trellises, fences, or trained as a free-standing half standard in a container. It must be sited and trained on sturdy structures which will be able to support the heavy weight of the mature Wisteria. Grow this plant around patios where the flowers can be enjoyed.
• Susceptible to foliage-chewing insects and fungal diseases, but none are significant. Deer resistant
• Needs regular pruning in order to control the size and shape of the plant and to promote flowering.
• Propagate by layering, softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, or grafting. Choose sites wisely because plants dislike being transplanted. 
• All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Wisteria floribunda species is native to temperate Asia, Japan.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• If you love the spectacular beauty of wisteria, the native American species, Wisteria frutescens, is a great alternative. It is less invasive than its Asian cousins and much less likely to get out of control.