Can Wisteria Be Yellow?

Wisteria Identification

• Wisteria plants are deciduous woody vines, but you can grow them as a trees or shrubs if they are pruned to control size and shape. Wisteria vines are easily recognized by their compound leaves and abundance of long racemes of pealike flowers. Wisteria climbs, and established vines have a thick, woody trunk several inches in diameter. Depending on variety, wisteria can grow to 25 feet tall and quickly cover a wall or pergola. Wisteria is listed as invasive in some areas and is harmful if eaten.

Golden Chain Tree Identification

• Golden chain trees are deciduous trees and shrubs that produce 6- to 10-inch long hanging, yellow flower clusters. The sweat pea-shaped flowers resemble those of wisteria. Trees grow 20 feet tall and 25 feet wide. The tree has flexible branches with green bark and produces bright green leaves that resemble clover leaves; they are divided into three leaflets. Seedpods are toxic, so remove them when possible; a heavy crop of seedpods can make the plant weak.

Care of Wisteria

• Wisteria vines are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 though 10. Vines thrive in well-drained, moist soil, but some species, like Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) tolerate dry soil and are often used for xeriscaping. Wisteria vines have a long life span and require pruning after flowering; if vines are not pruned regularly, they quickly become a tangled mess and outgrow their designated area. Vines grow well in full sun and often need supplemental water during summer, but they generally do not require fertilization.

Care of Golden Chain Tree

• Like wisteria, golden chain trees require well-drained soil and pruning after flowering, usually in winter. Pruning is done to maintain a neat appearance. These trees thrive in USDA zones 6 though 8 in full sun with some shade during hot afternoons. They need to be watered weekly, or more, during hot summer days. Unlike wisteria, yellow chain trees can be short-lived specimens. Fertilize golden chain trees with all-purpose fertilizer in spring before new growth begins. Mix one tablespoon of fertilizer with one gallon of water. Mix in a watering can and water tree using mixture. One gallon of diluted fertilizer covers 10 square feet.