At Last, The Wisteria Blooms

I've been trying to grow wisteria ever since I read Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner. Finally in 2004, six blooms appeared on one I planted on the arbor near the Madame Alfred Carriere rose. Then the floods of January 2005 came and the poor thing drowned. But this year, late because of the shade from the Chinese elm in the backyard, the wisteria planted several years ago decided to push out four blooms.

I don't know why I have so much trouble growing wisteria. Southern California should be a perfect place for these vines that can be invasive. A very old wisteria is said to have eaten a house in the San Gabriel Valley. My mother cannot seem to get rid of one planted in the late 60's that nearly succeeded in taking over her greenhouse. New shoots continue to pop up everywhere despite her best efforts at eradication. I should be so lucky. Guess I'll just be thankful for these four beauties and appreciate their fragrance and delicacy and hope for more next year.