what variety of wisteria?

HeyJude

Our Victorian golf club has a verandah which would look nice framed with a wisteria either side .The verandah is roughly 12-15 feet high and 24-30 feet wide. Having looked at various varieties on line the choice seems quite bewildering. Does anyone have a variety they especially like and some photos? I am thinking of lime green leaves and mauve "grape like shape clump " flowers... 

pansyface

Is the verandah on which this wisteria will grow the type of verandah that will need painting? Consider how this will be achieved when the plant has got the timber in a stranglehold a few years down the line.

Wisterias are extremely difficult plants to keep in check. I know, I have done battle with them. They require constant monitoring and exacting and tiresome pruning.

They are also invasive. Their roots and shoots find their way into the tiniest cracks and once in there create havoc.

I have seen a wisteria pull an entire cast iron balcony off the front of a very expensive house merely by twisting and tightening its grip on the balcony and on itself.

I would advise you to think long and hard before embarking on wisteria ownership.

Silver surfer

Suggestion...what about a gorgious free standing Wisteria on either side?

https://www.google.com/search?q=standard+wisteria&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiOityU2_reAhUFmbQKHXS3A50Q_AUIDygC

Marlorena

The white ones make a nice change..
I think this is Wisteria sinensis 'Alba', as the stems appear to be twining anti clockwise.. but I can't remember when I took the photo..

Wisteria can be kept pruned to a suitable size... remarkably, I think you can grow them as bonsai even..

I hope this gives you an idea of what it might look like..

Lizzie27

I have wisteria sisensis "Amethyst" which has light purple/mauve flowers and good green leaves which might suit your purpose. As the others have advised you do need to make sure that your verandah can take the weight and that you take maintenance of both into account.

Lizzie27

This is a photo of my wisteria, taken earlier this year.  Is this the colour you wanted.

If possible, it is usually advised to buy a wisteria in bloom so that you can ensure that it can flower and that the colour is what you want.

Happy buying!

Mr. Vine Eye

That's a very pretty wisteria Lizzie.

I planted a wisteria Sinensis "Prolific" this Autumn. It's only a foot and a half tall stick in the ground at the moment. Looking forward to seeing it grow this year.

I'll have to make sure I keep up with the pruning as I'm restricting it to a smallish space. Growing it like an espalier tree on wires.

Lizzie27

Thanks Mr Vine Eye.  I think the good summer helps with wisteria. I think mine's about 7 or 8 years old from memory. I've got it trained onto wires as well as the wall is only about 5-6 ft high.  I have also trained it around a 90 deg bend on the right hand side, through the privet hedge and along the outside fence, another 20 ft or so I think, which faces east.  Although I can't see it, I thought the neighbours might!  Not sure what I'm going to do when the fence has to be replaced next year!

HeyJude

The advice from everyone has all been very helpful, and in particular pansy face for the detail. Sounds like a metal frame to support it needs constructing , and a visit to the Cumbria specialist wisteria centre in April/May to see them in flower. Thank you everyone. Lizzie your wisteria looks lovely ; and Marlorena I love the white one too!

jamesharcourt

A second vote for free standing / wisteria grown as trees.  

I’m working on two standards right now.  They are among the many things I’m very excited about for next year!

Lizzie27

Thanks HeyJude - I'm a bit astonished how well it looks as well!