Wisteria floribunda ‘Alba’ – Standards (White Wisteria)

Trained as a standard (single stem tree), Wisteria floribunda Alba takes on a distinctive and commanding presence quite unique to its more common deployment as a climber or vine.

The wall-clinging version is all a bit sideways: a two dimensional application of white frosting for walls and trellises and such. This standard specimen stands alone on a proper trunk like a proper tree, and is a smashing way to have the same abundant froth and fountain of a classic Wisteria should you be lacking in spare arbours, pergolas, rustic ruins and the like. Worth trying in a decently-sized planter for paved spaces, too, where it will bring some instant architectural oomph.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.