Wisteria sinensis Cooke's Special

Cooke's Special climbers

Wisteria sinensis 'Cooke's Special' also known as Purple Chinese Wisteria is a non-evergreen, twining shrub with bright green leaves, which are bronze tinted when young, turning yellow in autumn.

This strong growing, climbing plant plays host to beautiful, long, drooping clusters of pea-like, fragrant lilac-purple flowers, giving a spectacular show during late spring and early summer.

How to grow

This fast growing climber is best grown against a sunny wall side, house, wall, trellis or informally through a large tree.

Cooke's Special characteristics

Growing

  • Attractive features: Scented flowers
  • Gardening skill: Average
  • Flowering duration: Long
  • Height after 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • Growth habit: Climbing
  • Spread after 10 years: 3m-4m / 10ft-13ft

Climate

  • Cold hardiness (RHS): H5 (to -15C)
  • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 7 (-18C)

Identification

  • Flowering month: April
  • Flower form: Single flower (5-8 petals)
  • Annual cycle: Deciduous