Wisteria macrostachya Blue Moon, known to many as Blue Moon wisteria, is a vigorous climbing vine that can quickly cover a trellis, pergola, or any other garden structure on which you choose to grow it. This cultivar not only impresses with its climbing habit, but it also has some of the most impressive blooms you can find. The flowers of this plant have a blue to purple color and arrive in great numbers. At times, this plant can add these blooms to your garden multiple times per growing season.
Water about once per week when the plant is young. When the plant is mature, water when the soil becomes dry.
The two most important factors when planting a Blue Moon wisteria are support and spacing. Provide your plant with a garden structure like an arbor or trellis to train it to climb from the onset. You should also give this plant a lot of adjacent space both above and below ground. This plant can expand aggressively, causing its branches to outcompete other plants and its roots to disrupt nearby foundations and paving. Anticipate this expansion by leaving plenty of open-air and ground space around your new Blue Moon wisteria plant.
After you first plant your Blue Moon wisteria plant, you’ll want to maintain consistent soil moisture for the first year. Once your plant shows continuous healthy growth, you can reduce your watering schedule. In many cases, a mature Blue Moon wisteria will grow well with minimal supplemental water. These plants can also grow well without fertilization. But if you do choose to fertilize, do so once per year and consider using a fertilizer with plenty of phosphorus to encourage the best blooming characteristics.
The Blue Moon wisteria blooms in the spring with flowers that can attract insects, such as bees, and other pollinators, such as hummingbirds. These plants are self-pollinating and will produce a fruit capsule after pollination is achieved. However, pollination is not a top priority for gardeners who grow Blue Moon wisteria, as cultivating fruits is not a common goal when raising this plant. Instead, the flowers and the climbing ability of this plant are far more desirable for most.
Since the Blue Moon wisteria can grow so quickly, pruning is critical. The best approach is to prune this plant about twice per year. The first pruning should occur in early spring when the new growth is emerging but before the flowers arrive. The second pruning can occur later in the season, during late summer or fall. When pruning, thin the branches so that they don’t become too dense and remove any part of the plant that is dead or damaged. You will likely need to cut this plant back to control its overall size as well.
Blue Moon Wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya ‘Blue Moon’) has become an increasingly popular choice for gardeners looking to add a showstopping vine to their outdoor space. Known for its foot-long clusters of fragrant, lavender-blue blooms, this flowering vine transforms arbors, fences, and trellises into breathtaking focal points when in flower.
However, some gardeners have concerns about growing Blue Moon Wisteria, wondering if its vigorous growth habit and tendency to spread makes it an invasive plant that should be avoided. In this in-depth article, we’ll take a close look at Blue Moon Wisteria to determine if it lives up to its reputation as an aggressive, invasive species.
What Exactly is Blue Moon Wisteria?
Blue Moon Wisteria is a cultivar of Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya) a species native to the eastern United States. It was selected and introduced into the nursery trade for its ability to rebloom up to three times in a single growing season. In addition to the light blue color of its blooms Blue Moon Wisteria is prized for its hardiness, surviving winters as cold as USDA Zone 3.
This deciduous woody vine is quite vigorous, capable of reaching lengths of 25 feet or more. It twines in a counterclockwise direction around supports, using its twining stems and tendrils to cling and climb. Given proper growing conditions and pruning, Blue Moon Wisteria can grow quite rapidly, as much as 10 feet or more per year.
Is Blue Moon Wisteria Considered Invasive?
To determine if a plant like Blue Moon Wisteria is invasive, we need to look at its potential to spread aggressively and displace native plants.
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Blue Moon Wisteria has been known to spread rapidly when planted in ideal growing conditions It can self-seed and its roots can expand and send up new shoots.
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However, it tends to be far less aggressive than Asian wisterias like Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda).
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Blue Moon Wisteria is not listed as an invasive or noxious plant by the USDA. It can be grown in most areas without fear of it dominating the landscape.
So while Blue Moon Wisteria can spread under the right circumstances, it exhibits a significantly lower potential for invasiveness compared to non-native wisterias. When properly managed, it poses little risk of becoming invasive in the garden.
How Quickly Does Blue Moon Wisteria Spread?
The speed at which Blue Moon Wisteria spreads depends on the growing conditions and care provided:
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In ideal conditions with full sun, moist soil, and adequate space, Blue Moon Wisteria can grow up to 10 feet in a single year.
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Its stems can extend several feet per season, twining around any available supports. Tendrils will cling strongly to structures.
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With regular pruning to control growth, the spread of Blue Moon Wisteria can be maintained at a steady, manageable rate.
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Allowed to grow without pruning, Blue Moon Wisteria can cover a very large area in just a few years. It should not be planted near areas where spread would be problematic.
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Cooler climates and shadier conditions tend to restrict the growth rate of Blue Moon Wisteria. Growth is noticeably slower than in ideal sunny sites.
So in the right environment, Blue Moon Wisteria can certainly spread rapidly. But proper planting sites and vigilant pruning keeps its growth in check.
Where is Blue Moon Wisteria Not Considered Invasive?
There are several regions of the United States where Blue Moon Wisteria is not categorized as an invasive plant:
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Throughout the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, Blue Moon Wisteria grows more slowly and does not exhibit highly invasive qualities. The cooler climate and harder winters stop it from spreading aggressively.
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In the Southern states, from the Carolinas to Texas, Blue Moon Wisteria performs well but does not show very invasive tendencies. It can be grown successfully in gardens without concern about unchecked spread.
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The Southwest region comprising Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas sees Blue Moon Wisteria growing vigorously but still within manageable bounds, not demonstrating strongly invasive qualities.
Always check your local cooperative extension service or state agencies to determine the official invasive status of Blue Moon Wisteria in your exact area. Where it is not considered invasive, it can make an excellent addition to gardens.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Blue Moon Wisteria?
When grown responsibly, Blue Moon Wisteria can have positive and negative impacts on the environment:
Potential Benefits
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Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden
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Creates shade and shelter for birds when grown over structures
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Adds organic matter to soil as leaves shed and decay each year
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Removes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen through photosynthesis
Potential Drawbacks
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Can outcompete nearby native plants for sunlight, moisture, and soil nutrients
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Adds weight and strain to structures like arbors and fences as vines get larger
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Root system may make it difficult for other plants to thrive nearby
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Can take over natural areas if allowed to spread from gardens
Overall, the environmental impact of Blue Moon Wisteria depends greatly on the gardener properly managing its growth. Allowed to grow unchecked, it can certainly cause issues. But with judicious pruning and care, it has much to offer the landscape.
Tips for Controlling the Spread of Blue Moon Wisteria
For gardeners concerned about the potential invasiveness of Blue Moon Wisteria, here are some key tips to keep its growth under control:
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Carefully consider the planting site. Avoid placing near wild areas or spaces where spread would be problematic.
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Prune frequently to limit vine length and remove unwanted stems and shoots.
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Train vines along supports to encourage vertical growth rather than horizontal spread.
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Monitor for root suckers and remove promptly when found.
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Avoid excessive fertilization which can fuel fast, unchecked growth.
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Plant in containers or beds surrounded by barriers to contain roots and runners.
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Be prepared to prune aggressively or even remove plants if they start to spread too far.
With proper site selection, pruning, and monitoring, Blue Moon Wisteria’s growth can be successfully managed in most home gardens. But gardeners should be prepared to put in the work to prevent this vigorous vine from getting out of control.
Enjoying Blue Moon Wisteria in the Garden
While responsible growing practices are needed, Blue Moon Wisteria can be a wonderful addition to gardens across much of the country. By providing sturdy structures for support and staying on top of pruning needs, gardeners can enjoy the dramatic beauty of its long flower clusters without worry about invasiveness.
Few flowering vines can match the memorably romantic look and scent of a Blue Moon Wisteria in full bloom. As one of the least invasive wisteria varieties available, it’s a great option for gardeners looking to experience those floral curtains of purple – just be ready with your pruners to keep it contained to the desired area. With smart care and management, you can have all of the beauty and far less of the invasiveness associated with this incredible plant.
2025 Spring Shipping Schedule
| Zones | Shipping Dates | Last Order Date |
|---|---|---|
| 3A – 5A | 4/28/25 – 5/30/25 | 5/26/25 |
| 5B | 4/7/25 – 5/30/25 | 5/26/25 |
| 6A | 3/24/25 – 5/30/25 | 5/26/25 |
| 6B | 3/10/25 – 5/30/25 | 5/26/25 |
| 7A | 2/24/25 – 5/30/25 | 5/26/25 |
| 7B – 8A | 2/17/25 – 5/9/25 | 5/5/25 |
| 8B – 9A | 2/10/25 – 5/9/25 | 5/5/25 |
| 9B – 10B | 2/3/25 – 5/9/25 | 5/5/25 |
Shipping Information
Plants will be shipped at the proper planting time for your area of the country using the shipping time frames outlined in the table. We continually monitor weather conditions for extreme hot or cold and adjust shipping schedules as needed. Due to hot weather conditions, we are unable to ship most plant items in July and August. Items that are overweight will require an additional shipping charge depending on weight.
The type of product you order or the weather in our area to yours may affect the anticipated shipping schedule, shifting earlier or later, depending.
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Pests, diseases, and animals
Although Blue Moon wisteria plants are vigorous, they can run into some complications related to pests and diseases. These plants may fall victim to winter dieback, leaf spot, and other problems like crown gall. Insect pests can also infest this plant, and some of the most common ones you’ll find are Japanese beetles, scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids. To treat these issues, you may need to spray insecticide or prune away diseased branches as soon as you notice them.
During the early months of your Blue Moon wisteria’s growth, you might need to give it additional support by tying it with a string to your support structure. Once your plant begins twining on its own, you can remove the string and allow your plant to climb as it pleases. Pruning is one of the most important tasks for this plant. Pruning lets you control the size of your vine and helps keep it healthy. However, you should know that flowers typically form on new wood and adjust your pruning tactics accordingly.
The main reason that people are hesitant to grow wisteria in their yards is that these plants have a reputation for being invasive. This notion is generally true. Wisteria vines that come from Asia are invasive and will outcompete native species. However, the Blue Moon wisteria is native to Eastern North America, meaning that it does not have the same invasive status. Despite that, the Blue Moon wisteria can spread quickly, so you should be ready to control it regardless.
Blue Moon wisterias use their fast growth habit to reach some impressive sizes. In many instances, these plants can reach 25 feet or more in height. However, the actual size of your Blue Moon wisteria will vary depending on how you prune it and what structure you use to grow it. Still, without pruning, these plants can quickly expand to quite a large size.
The Blue Moon wisteria provides its first seasonal blooms during the spring months. However, blooming often does not end there. A mature Blue Moon wisteria that grows in good conditions will often bloom twice more during the summer. This multiple bloom capability is one of the top reasons why people grow this plant, as it continually adds color through the warmest months of the year.
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The Beautiful and Deadly Wisteria – An Amazing Plant!
FAQ
Is blue moon Kentucky wisteria invasive?
The Blue Moon Wisteria Vine is not considered invasive as it does not spread aggressively or cause harm to native plants.
Where should I plant my blue moon wisteria?
Blooming multiple times throughout the season, this vigorous grower can reach heights of 25 feet, making it perfect for pergolas, arbors, and trellises. Cold-hardy and disease-resistant, Blue Moon Wisteria thrives in full sun and adapts well to various soil conditions.
Is blue moon wisteria aggressive?
Easy to Manage: While some wisterias can be a tad unruly, Blue Moon is known for its manageability and is less aggressive than other varieties.
Which wisteria is least invasive?
Non-Invasive Wisterias
American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) and evergreen wisteria (Millettia reticulata) are two lovely, non-invasive options for your home landscape. The native American wisteria cultivar ‘Amethyst Falls’ has deep blue/purple flowers and blooms in the spring and summer.
Is Blue Moon Wisteria invasive?
Blue Moon Wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya ‘Blue Moon’) is a beautiful and fast-growing vine native to the United States. It is highly sought after for its fragrant and showy blooms, which appear in shades of lavender and blue. Unfortunately, it is also considered an invasive species in many areas of the United States.
Is Blue Moon Wisteria Hardy?
It’s the best choice for Northern gardeners, because it’s a little more hardy than American wisteria, withstanding winters as far as Zone 3. It can grow up to 25 feet tall, and begins blooming in June. The ‘Blue Moon’ variety has fragrant, bluish-purple flower clusters that can reach a foot in length.
Are Asian Wisteria invasive?
Non-native wisteria growth rate is extremely fast. These vines can grow as much as ten feet (3 m) in one year. This is the primary problem with Asian wisterias and why they are considered invasive in many areas. Any non-native plant that grows so quickly can limit the growth of or even kill native species.
Can Blue Moon Wisteria spread quickly?
In conclusion, blue moon wisteria can spread quickly in an area if the growing conditions are optimal and the vine is regularly pruned. With the proper care, the vine can reach heights of over twenty feet in one season and produce long, snaking stems with twining tendrils that can quickly take over an area.
Why is Blue Moon Wisteria important?
Another important impact of Blue Moon Wisteria is its role as a nutrient cycle. The plant absorbs nutrients from the soil, which are then released back into the environment as it decays. This helps to maintain the fertility of soil and helps to promote plant growth. Blue Moon Wisteria also provides a habitat for wildlife.
How do you grow Blue Moon Wisteria?
When planting blue moon wisteria, it is important to provide the vine with optimal growing conditions. This includes full sun, well-draining soil, and plenty of space for the vine to spread. If the soil is too dry, the vine will not be able to spread quickly; if the soil is too wet, the vine may become waterlogged and rot.