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Kudzu

Pueraria montana · Fabaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around kudzu and prepare for winter.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Scientific name
Pueraria montana
Family
Fabaceae
Plant type
Perennial climbing plant
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
July to September, violet-purple flowers
Growth
Very fast and vigorous
Hardiness
Down to −10 °C depending on varieties
Origin
Southeast Asia (Japan, China)
Adult size
Over 15 meters in length

Care

Exposure

Kudzu thrives in full sun (minimum 6 hours per day) and tolerates partial shade. A sunny exposure promotes flowering and strengthens vigor. Avoid overly shaded areas where growth would slow down.

Watering

Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), especially young plants. Once established, the plant tolerates drought well thanks to its deep root system. In winter, stop watering almost entirely.

Soil and planting

Kudzu adapts to many types of soil, even poor or compacted ones. Well-draining soil is preferable to prevent root rot. Plant in spring after the last frosts, spacing plants at least 2 meters apart.

Pruning and training

Prune regularly in late winter or early spring to control its explosive expansion. Guide the stems onto a sturdy support (pergola, fence, trellis). Severe annual pruning is necessary to prevent the plant from taking over your entire garden.

Fertilization

A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. As Fabaceae fix atmospheric nitrogen, the plant has no major nutrient requirements. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.

Pests and diseases

Kudzu is generally not very susceptible to diseases. Watch for aphids and spider mites in warm climates. Excessive winter moisture can promote root rot; improve drainage if necessary.

Did you know?

Introduced to Japan over 1,500 years ago to fight erosion, kudzu was exported to the United States in the early 20th century as fodder and ornamental plant. Its extremely rapid growth (up to 30 cm per day under optimal conditions) has made it an ecological nightmare in North America, where it colonizes thousands of hectares every year!

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.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.