Silky Wisteria Proper 'Okayama'

'Okayama' is an outstanding cultivar of the Silky Wisteria, noted for its exceptionally strong and sweet perfume. It produces clusters of dark lilac-purple flowers with a distinct yellow spot at the base of each petal. The racemes are shorter and thicker than those of W. floribunda, giving it a more compact and 'chunky' appearance when in bloom. One of the key advantages of this species is that it often begins to flower at a younger age than other Wisterias. The foliage is soft and downy (silky) when it first emerges, turning a lush green in summer and then a clear yellow in autumn. It is a vigorous twining climber that requires a sturdy support and the usual twice-yearly pruning regime to keep it flowering well. In the UK, it performs best on a sunny, sheltered wall where its flowers are less likely to be damaged by late spring frosts. It is a truly aristocratic addition to any garden.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.