Old Wisteria Drops Buds Annually: Likely Insufficient Sunlight

A Staffordshire, UK gardener has a 10-year-old wisteria covering the back of the house. It forms many buds in spring but they drop; leaves grow vigorously. Neighbor's wisteria on the front flowers beautifully. Pruned twice yearly, not fed.

Probable Cause

Gill deduced the back of the house likely faces north or east, depriving the wisteria of the full sun it needs. The plant is stressed annually. Moving it isn't practical; she suggested planting another wisteria at the front, which would likely flower (though taking 2–3 years to mature).

Wisteria requires a sunny position; a north/east wall often prevents flowering.