W ISTARIA, one of the oldest and most popular vines in 
cultivation, was introduced to America in 1818 by John 
Reeves, a tea-taster. In 1825 a famous French botanist 
named it Wistaria after Caspar Wistar of Philadelphia. 
Because of its hardiness, its adaptability to all conditions 
of rainfall, soil and temperature, and its natural beauty and 
fragrance. Wistaria is unexcelled by any other hardy climb¬ 
ing vine. 
Its resistance to adverse climatic conditions is a bless¬ 
ing. After two years location, its ample root system affords 
generous protection against prolonged droughts and cold. 
Although the extremely hot summer sun sometimes burns 
delicate foliage, it is generally the edges of the youngest 
leaves only, and no harm is done to the plant. 
As for its resistance to cold, a temperature of twenty-five 
degrees below zero, near Mount Kisco, New York, did not 
injure even the dormant flower buds of Chinese or Japanese 
Wistaria. They bloomed freely after several weeks of this 
weather. 
Wistaria does well in the southern parts of the United 
States, and beautiful vines have been growing there for 
many years as far south as New Orleans. In fact, as has 
been stated before. Wistaria flourishes in almost any climate. 
The unusual varieties described in this book will thrive 
any place where common Chinese Wistaria prospers. 
Pot-grov/n Wistaria: The larger plants in hand-made pots are five years or older, grown 
for several years in pots; cut back hard annually, before forcing. The plant in the 
machine-made pot is a three-year-old field-grown vine, potted in November and forced 
to bloom the following March, but not cut back. Correct management will permit 
larger pot or tub-grown vines for the conservatory or terrace. 
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