Quick Guide: spring, hardy, full sun, height: 30m/100ft, width: 18m/60ft

Wistaria sinensis, or Chinese wistaria, is one of the loveliest climbing shrubs - and potentially one of the largest, though annual pruning will keep it within more reasonable bounds. Its twining habit can be supported by an arch or an old tree; against a wall, permanent supports are essential. The leaves consist of numerous delicate leaflets; before they are developed glorious lilac-blue or white flowers appear, in racemes up to 30cm/ 12in long.

GROWING Plant in autumn or spring on any good soil. The site should afford adequate room for root growth. A warm, sunny wall is ideal. Tie the young growths in to the supports. Pruning is advisable to encourage flowering; left alone, plants take up to 10 years to come into flower. Prune in winter, cutting back all growths to within 2-3 buds of the base of the previous year's growth. In summer, train the long leaders in the desired direction.

PROPAGATION By layering

VARIETIES The species with lilac-blue flowers is reliable and popular. `Alba' bears a mass of white flowers; 'Plena' has double mauve flowers.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Birds may damage buds and flowers; aphids; thrips. Bud-drop if soil dries out or night temperatures are very cold.