29/04/2022
Wisteria Wisdom!
In the UK during Victorian times, Wisteria was thought to represent a warning not to become obsessed, in reference to the way it can choke other trees. In Buddhism, Wisteria symbolises humility and reflection. In the Japanese tale βThe Wisteria Maidenβ a young woman waits for her lover underneath a wisteria tree. The long living plant symbolises the girlβs endurance during heartbreak.
Wisteria are important in Japan, with the Fuji Matsuri Wisteria festival held annually in several locations and the Kawachia Fuji Gardens boasting over 150 Wisteria plants made up of around 20 species. The gardens feature a long archway with a variety of these Wisteria trained over it and when they are in flower, the effect is an ethereal tunnel awash with colour.
Famous Wisteria Trees
Some mature varieties can grow as tall as 20m, with several particularly fine examples achieving worldwide fame. The largest Wisteria today is in California and measures 1 acre in size and weighs 250 tonnes! The largest one in the UK can be found in Wickham Place Farm in Essex. Trained along a wall it stretches for over 75 metres! One of the oldest wisterias in the UK is situated in Wrest Park, Bedfordshire and is thought to be approximately 150 years old.
Aunty Judeβs Wisteria has done so well this year, after careful pruning and managing to avoid the frosts , the blooms are huge!
How are your Wisteria doing this year?
The Aunts π€π€π€π±π±π±
