All About The Wisteria Bonsai

Although the Wisteria Bonsai does not conform to the usual Bonsai styling, there are many avid practitioners who prefer growing this species over all others.

The Wisteria genus has about ten species and each species has several different varieties. They are considered ideal for Bonsai growing because their long leaves are comprised of several smaller leaves that are about five centimetres long and truly beautiful. The all round best value and ultimately most popular being the Floribunda variety – available below.

Bonsai Boy’s Flowering Japanese Wisteria Bonsai Tree wisteria floribunda

  • 10 years old, 21″ – 25″ tall
  • Flowering outdoor bonsai tree

This delightful wisteria we’ve all admired on a pergola or arbor has now been trained into a classic tree form. With its shiny, bright green foliage which falls in the autumn, and fragrant pea-like purple flowers dangling in clusters.

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And because these plants refuse to conform to normal styling techniques, they are often styled in ways that show off their fragrant blooms, whose racemes can reach 30 centimetres in length. The color of these flowers differs according to the variety, but they are generally a combination of purple, blue, and white.

Common Wisteria Bonsai Species

The two most common species used as Wisteria Bonsai are the Japanese Wisteria and the Chinese Wisteria. Both are twining climbers, but there is a significant difference in the way that it twines.

The Japanese Wisteria typically twines clockwise, whereas the Chinese Wisteria twines anti-clockwise. Patience is of utmost importance in growing this plant species, especially where flowering is concerned.

Take note that regardless of what growing techniques you use, the species will not bloom until it reaches a particular age, which is around ten years. This means you should not worry too much if a young Wisteria tree does not boast any flower even after you have given it all the care that it needs.

Wisteria Bonsai In Full Bloom
wisteria bonsai

Image by kattrap

Growth Stages

This species typically goes through two growth stages. The juvenile stage is when they typically produce foliage and extending shoots. The mature stage is when this vegetative growth begins to be replaced by flowering spurs.

When you cultivate this species for Bonsai, it is wise to first allow the roots to extend by planting it in a large container or by pruning the roots annually. As soon as the trunk develops, you should allow the tree to become root-bound, so that it enters the mature stage much more quickly than if left untrained. This is similar to the requirements of Redwood Bonsai.

Soon, you should be able to enjoy the exquisite beauty of your Wisteria Bonsai.