Wondrous wisteria

Who cannot have noticed the festoons of delightful long drooping panicles all over the ward. It just lights up the sky. We noticed this clematis cheekily weaving its way through the purple maze. So beautiful a colour and a delightful contrast not to mention an early bloomer!

Wisteria floribunda belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae). It is a prolific climber that can grow up to 4-6m high. Its strong branches will gnarl onto any post bare wall or gutter as it climbs high to reach for the sky. A sun worshipper this oriental joy has found a special place in Britain’s floral landscape.

The less well known Japanese wisteria Alba has maiden white flowers and will bloom from April to June. The floral umbels, as they are called, are some of the best flowers for pollinators. The plant has hardly any leaves so the bumble bees enjoy feasting on the nectar without hindrance.

Thank you gardeners. You are definitely doing your bit for the environment!