Wisteria hysteria has taken hold of London, and it’s no wonder why. This pretty purple flowering vine, which is a member of the Fabaceae family, bursts forth from houses, hidden walls, and picture-perfect pagodas, announcing that spring has finally arrived in the capital.
The wisteria comprises four species of woody twining vines, and are mainly native to Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Vietnam. It is a symbol of love, longevity, and transformation, so it’s no wonder why the gorgeous climbing plant scaled its way to Europe, and London is home to some of the oldest in the continent.
According to the University of Oxford, wisteria’s introduction to Europe begins in the early 19th century. John Reeves, Chief Inspector of Tea at Canton in China (now known as Guangzhou), played a pivotal role in this botanical barter.
In 1816, Reeves brought wisteria cuttings from a Chinese merchant’s garden in Canton to Britain, with an impressive wisteria at Fuller’s Griffin Brewery also tracing back to the same year. By 1819, these imported plants were flowering in British gardens across the country, captivating admirers with their unmatched beauty and charm.
S0, head to this beloved brewery in Chiswick to witness a fascinating slice of botanical history, being the first recorded bloom of this species here in the UK, and across Europe.
It’s said that the original wisteria in London was part of an exclusive sample of two cuttings: one for Fuller’s Brewery, with the other gifted to Kew Gardens. While the exchange failed at Kew, fate favoured the brewery’s wisteria, as it successfully took root and flourished, still blooming to this day.
The wisteria was planted outside what used to be the head brewer’s cottage at Fuller’s Brewery. It’s been a fragrant and vibrant symbol of spring for over two centuries and you can still get up close and personal with the remarkable plant thanks to the private tours of Fuller’s Griffin Brewery.
Once established in the UK, wisteria found its way to other European countries. France, Germany, and various other nations welcomed this enchanting vine, but you can see the first here in London.
For more information on the fantastic tours at Fuller’s, visit their website. You can find Griffin Brewery in Chiswick at Chiswick Lane South, W4 2QB.
Wisterias usually bloom from mid-April until mid-May but this can vary depending on the plant and weather. Check out our full round-up of wisteria hotspots by clicking the link below.