Growing Wisteria Vine: Vigorous Climber for Strong Supports

Overview

Wisteria (pronounced wis-teer'-ee-uh) is a vigorous vine that climbs by twining stems (W. floribunda twines right to left, W. sinensis left to right). It requires a very strong support to withstand the stranglehold of woody stems.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun; partial shade in the South and West.
• Soil: Average garden soil.
• Fertilizer: Only if soil is exceptionally poor.

Pruning

• Summer: Prune frequently but lightly to control growth and encourage flowering.
• Late summer/early fall: Cut each side shoot back to 5–6 buds.
• Remove suckers (shoots from the base) as soon as they appear.

Note on Dormancy

Wisterias are slow to break dormancy the first spring after planting—may not leaf out until July. In subsequent years, they leaf out at the normal time (mid-spring).