Wisteria: Spectacular Blooms on a Vigorous Vine

Wisteria is a vigorous, twining vine celebrated for its breathtaking spring display of huge, cascading flower clusters. While its fragrant blooms in shades of blue, lavender, red, and white are undeniably stunning, this vine's rampant growth—up to 10 feet or more in a single year—demands respect and regular management.

About This Plant

Wisteria's vigorous growth can easily overwhelm nearby plants and structures if left unchecked. Heavy annual pruning is essential to keep it in bounds. As the vine ages, its stems become large and woody, requiring sturdy support such as a robust arbor, pergola, or heavy-gauge trellis. Choose a variety suited to your space and be prepared for an ongoing commitment to pruning.

Special Features

• Fragrant flowers

Site Selection

Select a site with full sun to light shade and deep, moist, well-drained soil. Full sun promotes the best flowering.

Planting Instructions

Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 10 to 15 feet apart. Dig a hole only as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide. Amend the excavated soil with compost only if it is very poor; otherwise, use native soil. Remove the plant from its container, set it in the hole, and fill halfway. Water well to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Let the water drain, then fill the remainder of the hole and water thoroughly.

Care

Apply a layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch mulch layer to retain moisture and control weeds. Water during summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. To control growth and encourage flowering, prune wisteria twice a year: after flowering in early summer, cut side shoots arising from main stems back to 6 inches. In fall, shorten these same laterals back to 2 to 4 buds. Remove any shoots arising from the base of the plant as soon as they appear.