Best Companion Plants for Wisteria

 Wisteria is one of my favorite plants ever.  It’s super romantic, even dreamy….& has been made popular by shows like “Bridgerton” on Netflix ~ where many of the British homes are covered in gorgeous purple wisteria.  I’ve got three wisteria plants in my Oregon garden, & honestly: they’re quite easy to grow!  I sometimes forget about them.  Until May & June, when their blooms dominate the landscape with their purple splendor.  Here, we’ll discover some of the “Best Companion Plants for Wisteria,” that provide a great backdrop for this purple stunner.

 

Climbing roses & white hydrangeas are two of the top plants that come to mind when considering pairings for your wisteria.  White hydrangeas look particularly stunning next to purple wisteria blooms.

Quick Overview of Wisteria

•  Other Names for Wisteria:  American wisteria, Japanese wisteria, Chinese wisteria, Wisteria frutescens, & Kentucky wisteria (the kind I have in Zone 6).
• Hardiness Zones: 5-9 for American wisteria; Japanese & Kentucky wisteria are more cold-hardy, & able to survive down to Zones 3 & 4.
• Is Wisteria an Annual or Perennial?  Definitely a perennial (in above climates).  Wisteria will come back year after year, with some living for 50 years or more!
• Growth Rate:  Moderate to fast.  Some may grow as much as 10 feet a year ~ but it’s more likely that yours will grow 3-4 feet per year.  Unless it’s in a pot, which will slow growth.  
• Mature Size: 10-30 feet tall; wisteria are known for their ability to CLIMB.  It’s best if they are planted by a strong pergola, arbor, or wall ~ as they’ll climb best with support.
• Preferred Sun Exposure:  Full sun is ideal for maximum blooms; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Bloom Time:  Wisteria typically blooms in mid to late spring; usually in May or June.  This is when you’ll see the beautiful white or purple blooms dripping from the vines.
• Easy to Grow?  Pretty easy.  There’s very little maintenance required for wisteria, other than training them to grow up whatever structure they’re on.  I currently have three in my garden: 1 tree, 2 vines ~ & I do very little with them.  The tree is planted in the ground, & the 2 vines are in pots…& the tree definitely blooms MORE.  Well-draining soil is key for the best-looking wisteria trees & vines.
• Fertilize or Not?  Not necessary.  Excess nitrogen isn’t good for wisteria, so if you do choose to fertilize: go with a high-phosphorus fertilizer, like bone meal.
• How Much Water Do Wisteria Need?  Water consistently during the first year; then after that, water about an inch a week.  All of my wisteria are on drip irrigation, which has worked perfectly so far.  My wisteria tree gets watered about 4-5 minutes/day, & the 2 vines in pots get watered for only 1-2 minutes/day. 

Root rot is the worst thing that can happen to a wisteria: so don’t overwater!  Especially if growing in pots…

Great Companion Plants for Wisteria

 When thinking of companion plants for wisteria, think about a pastel color palette.  As wisteria has purple or white blooms, colors that look best near it will be pink, white, blue, purple, & blush ~ a look that works especially well in French country gardens.  For more contrast, pair it by orange or yellow flowers: like irises, snapdragons, alliums, or any number of annuals. 

Red is my least favorite color when paired with purple, so be careful about that color combination when planting.

Another idea, which is represented in many of the photos below, is to let the wisteria be the star of the show.  Achieve this by surrounding it with evergreens & non-flowering plants; this rich green backdrop is perfect for letting the wisteria really stand out.  If surrounded by too many plants, & too many colors: wisteria an get lost in the mix.

Great Plant Pairings with Wisteria:

• Beautiful climbing roses;
• All kinds of roses, peonies, or dahlias;
• White hydrangeas (especially easy-to-grow panicle hydrangeas, like Limelight) look amazing next to purple wisteria vines;
• Tall flowering plants like foxgloves & delphiniums can be planted under or around the wisteria; 
• In a more native garden, look at surrounding the wisteria with soft grasses like Karl Foerster, or Pampas grass, which is a stand-out in its own right.
• A neat row of green boxwoods planted by wisteria makes for great contrast;
• Dark green arborvitae or other evergreen trees also provide a gorgeous backdrop for wisteria;

 

In general, I think the best rule of thumb when planting around your wisteria, is to exercise a bit of restraint.  Wisteria is so lovely when it blooms, let that be the focal point.  Too many plants around it can be distracting, & detract from the beauty of the wisteria bloom.

 

Photos of Wisteria & Companion Plants

 

The most important thing about growing wisteria is where you plant it.  To be at its best, wisteria must be grown by a fence, wall, pergola, or even a metal arch (which I have in my garden).  Wisteria needs a strong structure to climb up, as its tendrils will literally wrap around the structure itself.

Good Companion Plants for Wisteria

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