Vines

Wisteria floribunda 'Kokuryū'

Black Dragon Japanese wisteria

Also known as: Royal Purple Japanese wisteria · Wisteria floribunda Black Dragon

Japanese wisteria showing its hanging flower clusters. This photograph does not identify the Kokuryū cultivar. Forest and Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0 us.

Black Dragon is a trade name listed by the RHS for the single-flowered Japanese wisteria ‘Kokuryū’. Fragrant, deep violet-purple flower clusters hang from a vigorous woody vine in early summer. Japanese wisteria is listed as invasive in Kentucky; confirm the nursery tag before distinguishing it from double-flowered “Double Black Dragon.”. Prune long shoots in summer, then shorten again in winter to maintain spurs.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Mature size: 26–39 ft. with support tall × More than 26 ft. at maturity wide
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: RHS H6 (UK rating: −20 to −15°C; not a USDA-zone rating)
Bloom: Violet-purple; early summer

Sizes & prices

#10 48"+Deep Red everblooming Wisteria Tree$159.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

Select a section to expand.

Safety & handling: Kentucky lists Japanese wisteria as invasive. It can damage weak supports; its seeds and pods are toxic. Check the stock tag: “Double Black Dragon” is a different, double-flowered selection.

Pets & children: RHS lists this exact Kokuryū Japanese wisteria as harmful if eaten. Keep seeds, pods and other plant parts out of reach.
Handling: Wear gloves when pruning or handling the vine.

If a pet eats a potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Seasonal interest

Bloom: Fragrant, single violet-purple clusters in early summer.

Growing & care

Support: Use a substantial structure that can carry mature woody stems.

Avoid planting near natural areas. Where already planted, give it a very strong support and ample room; prune long shoots in summer and again in winter to manage growth and develop flower spurs.

Sources & photo credits

Royal Horticultural Society

eec.ky.gov

Royal Horticultural Society

Photo: Forest and Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0 us; resized and converted to WebP · CC BY 3.0 us

Image notes: Japanese wisteria showing its hanging flower clusters. This photograph does not identify the Kokuryū cultivar. Forest and Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0 us. Resized and converted to WebP.

Reviewed September 25, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.