Wistaria
WISTARIA CHINENSIS (_syns W. sinensis, Glycine chinensis_, and _G.
sinensis_).--Chinese Wistaria. China, 1816. This is the only species at
all common in gardens, and by far the handsomest in cultivation. It
justly ranks amongst the most beautiful of hardy climbing shrubs, and is
invaluable as a wall plant, or for clothing the bare stems of sparsely
foliaged trees. The purplish-lilac flowers are produced in long,
droopi
g racemes in early summer. W. chinensis alba has pretty white
flowers; W. chinensis flore-pleno has not proved very satisfactory, but
when seen at its best, which is, however, but rarely, the double flowers
are both beautiful and showy; W. chinensis variegata has badly
variegated foliage; and W. chinensis macrobotrys is a plant of great
beauty with very long racemes of pale lavender flowers, but they vary a
good deal in colour, those of some plants being almost white. It is a
very desirable variety, and one that when better known is sure to
attract attention.
W. FRUTESCENS (_syns Glycine frutescens_ and _Thyrsanthus
frutescens_).--North America, 1724. This is a very handsome deciduous
climbing species from North America. The flowers, which appear towards
autumn, are bluish purple and fragrant, and borne in erect racemes. It
is quite hardy and equally suitable with the Chinese species for using
as a wall covering. W. frutescens magnifica is an improved form of the
species.
W. JAPONICA.--Japan. A bush-like species bearing white flowers, but it
is rarely seen in cultivation. It is, however, quite hardy, and succeeds
well in the bush state at Kew.
W. MULTIJUGA.--Japan, 1874. Resembles somewhat our commonly-cultivated
species, and has pale purple flowers arranged in long racemes. It is a
very ornamental and desirable species, but the flowers are not borne in
great quantity.
The Wistarias are of simple culture, but succeed best in rather rich
alluvial soil, and where protection from cold winds is provided.