Wisteria Hysteria – Where to Find Wisteria in London

Wisteria Hysteria  (hɪˈstɪərɪə/) noun – uncontrollable emotion or excitement relating to a climbing shrub of the pea family with hanging clusters of fragrant flowers.

If like me, you’ve been struck by the overwhelming urge to hunt out that fragrant purple plumage, then these city spots have some incredible displays. I’ve put together a guide to 12 of my favourite spots to see Wisteria in London. This list is in order of the best walking route between these blooming streets. The walk is about 6 miles which takes around 2 hours. However, expect it to be double that as Joe and the Juice on the King’s Road is perfectly positioned for a break, and the smell of the flowers is so intoxicating it’s easy to lose track of time. You’ll also pass by some good shopping streets which are a distraction in themselves.

When is Wisteria in bloom

Wisteria in London starts its purple reign in the Spring, usually sometime between April and June depending on the weather. Late April/early May is a good bet. There is also a second, less spectacular, blooming period in the summer with some varieties. I also never realised that Wisteria usually takes at least 5 years to start flowering once planted, and in some cases it can take up to 15 years!  I wonder how old these ones are…

Where to find Wisteria in London

Elm Place, Chelsea

Park Walk, Chelsea

Cheyne Walk, Chelsea

Christchurch Street, ChelseaRadnor Walk, Chelsea

St. Leonard’s Terrace, Chelsea

Astell Street, Chelsea

Sumner Place, Chelsea

Kynance Mews, Kensington

Abingdon Road, Kensington

Gordon Place, KensingtonBedford Gardens, Kensington

PEAK HYSTERIA!! And *that* pink door. Everyone who comes here seems to fall into a trance when they see the flowers, crossing the road without looking and getting honked at before pulling out their phone and snapping away.

What are your favourite spots to find Wisteria in London?