CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS »

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Wisteria

Wisteria is Blooming every where I go in South Carolina now. I don't know much about it other than I like it. So let's learn together....... Wisteria is a genus of about ten species of woody climbing vines

native to the eastern United States and China, Korea, and Japan.
Aquarists refer to the species Wisteria vines climb by twining their
stems either clockwise or counter-clockwise round any available support.
They can climb as high as 20 m above ground and spread out 10 m laterally
but are purple, violet, pink or white, not yellow. Flowering is in the spring
(just before or as the leaves open) and in mid to late summer in the
American species . The flowers of some species are fragrant.
The seeds are produced in pods similar to those Wisteria, is very
hardy and fast-growing. It is considered an invasive species in certain areas.
It can grow in fairly poor-quality soils, but prefers fertile, moist,
well-drained ones. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Wisteria can be propagated via hardwood cutting, softwood cuttings, or seed.
However, seeded
specimens can
take decades to bloom Wisteria can grow into a mound when unsupported,
but is at its best when allowed to clamber up a tree, pergola, wall,
or other supporting structure. These will certainly rend latticework,
crush thin wooden posts, and can even strangle large trees.
The flowers of some varieties are edible, and can even be used to
make wine. Others are said to be toxic. Careful identification by an
expert is strongly recommended before consuming this or any wild
plant.
Plant Characteristics: Wisteria is a member of the Pea family,
Plant Purple Wisteria in your backyard and you'l
smell it from the front of your house. It's fragrance is kind of like a Lavender
/ Gardenia blend. Big 6-12 inch purple flower clusters brighten up
your landscape. It's vines look like ivy and are beautiful
year-round. Somehow in the spring, these small vines
produce these giant floral recimes.

9 comments:

gina said...

What pretty pics Kate. only 22 days and counting til I can see the wisteria in N. Carolina myself yea!

Sixpence and A Blue Moon said...

Oooooh...I Love this post! Wisteria was everywhere in Germany. I loved the way it decorated the exterior of old buildings and churches, giving the feeling of a story...continuing on. It always looked so delicate and strong at the same time. Like you, I don't know much about it other than, I love it. Beautiful post! Thanks for the info.:)

Have a wonderful day!

Amy J said...

Ooh, that's beautiful Kate. I really miss the wisteria in England. Didn't know anything about it though, so thanks for the lesson :-)

Lindsey L. Delahanty said...

Beautiful! Another reason to live in the South... gorgeous!!

Mary said...

Love wisteria and have a young one climbing an arbor in the garden - no blooms yet as it takes several years to flower I've been told.

Would love to see those pics you mentioned of Daphne du Maurier's last home - sounds like you had fun in Fowey - and Jamaica Inn which is now on my book list.

I'm from Devon so have also spent time in the neighboring county of Cornwall - the West Country is the most beautiful area of England....and I'll be there in a few weeks time munching flaky Cornish pasties (veggie ones for me), and spreading oodles of thick clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam on my freshly baked scones - can't diet when on vacation!!!

I'm giggling at your recent forays into the dating world - perhaps I can bring back the perfect Englishman for you!!!!!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

I love wisteria! However, I do think it can take over the world if we let it or kudzu doesn't get us first!!! lol Hope you are having a great weekend...Debbie

Funkymonkey said...

We have a wisteria on the front of the house. It has taken years to flower and although there are plenty of buds on it this year I bet the leaves will come out yet again and hide all the flowers! Lovely post.

Tracey

Janet said...

Can't wait for the wisteria! We still have a bit of a wait here in Washington. Sigh. Gorgeous photos!

cherry said...

Hi Miss Kate thank you for stopping by ..I love Charleston we lived there when I was a kid and I like to go back often.
It seems magical to me ..lol

you have to come back and check out my post about Wisteria House.

http://gagirl46.blogspot.com/2009/03/wisteria-house.html

love the little bit I have seen of your blog I will check in often .

Have a beautiful day
hugs, Cherry