Glycine
Glycine tabacina · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around glycine and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Form
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Flowers
- Pendulous racemes, pure white or slightly tinged with pink
- Mature size
- 5 to 8 m in height
- Origin
- East Asia (China, Japan)
- Hardiness
- Fairly hardy (-10 to -12°C)
Care
Exposure and light
Plant Wisteria tabacina in full sun or partial shade, ideally facing south or west to promote abundant flowering. Lack of light reduces flower production. It appreciates warm, sheltered locations away from strong winds.
Soil and planting
Wisteria tabacina prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich the soil with compost or decomposed manure when planting. It tolerates ordinary soils but appreciates good depth for root establishment.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish the root system well. Once established, Wisteria tabacina is relatively drought-tolerant, but moderate watering during prolonged dry periods promotes flowering. Avoid stagnant excess moisture.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in phosphorus in spring to support growth and flowering. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Annual fertilization is generally sufficient.
Pruning and training
Prune after flowering (June-July) to control vigorous growth and maintain the desired shape. Remove dead or poorly oriented stems. Regular training on a suitable support (trellis, pergola) guides growth and improves flower exposure.
Diseases and pests
Wisteria tabacina is generally robust. Watch for spider mites and scale insects in dry conditions. Excess moisture can promote leaf spots. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Wisteria tabacina is a lesser-known cousin of the famous Wisteria sinensis, but it produces equally spectacular flower clusters. Its curious scientific name comes from the fact that it was long confused with species cultivated for tobacco in East Asia, although it has no botanical connection to this economically important plant. It is an ideal climber for adorning Mediterranean pergolas thanks to its splendid spring flowering.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.