Wisteria, a Climbing Vine with Exuberant Flowers
With Large Clusters of Scented Flowers, a Wisteria is a Superb Sight
Oct 21, 2009
Not every home can be a castle with porticoes and pillars just waiting to be draped in the abundant spring color of a wisteria vine but many homes in areas similar to U.S zones 5 to 9 can easily enjoy the sumptuous beauty of a wisteria in full bloom.
Wisteria Facts
Wisteria is a vigorous perennial climbing vine with a strong woody stem, deciduous shiny green leaves and fragrant flowers. There are basically two species of wisteria, Wisteria sinensis from China and Wisteria floribunda from Japan. The Japanese wisteria has shorter flower clusters (called racemes) than the Chinese wisteria but what it lacks in length it makes up for in profusion and in early spring it is difficult to see anything but flowers.
Supporting a Wisteria Plant
Being a climbing vine the single most important feature to be considered when planting a wisteria is the support structure. This energetic plant can live a very long time and can grow up to 100ft. long and if left unchecked it will become extremely heavy, so it is wise to consider the following points.
- Decide at the outset what space is to be allowed to the vine.
- If planting against a house wall build a sturdy trellis to support the woody stem.
- Do not take the support structure right up to the underside of the roof as this will allow the vine to grow too close to the roof where it will invade any available space and will undermine the roof tiles and timbers.
- If the plant is to be supported on a pergola or gazebo, ensure the timbers used are hard, well treated wood and set in a solid foundation.
- Wisteria vines will happily entwine themselves around the branches of nearby trees but this must be allowed only if the tree is sturdy enough to hold the weight.
- If growing along garden walls and fencing support the heavy stems with hooks embedded into the concrete or support posts.
- Rows of wires attached to the wall but not against the wall will provide ample support for the trailing stems.
Growing a Wisteria Vine
Wisteria likes a full sun position for the trailing stems with a cool shady position for the roots and lower stems. Low growing perennial shrubs will provide the required shade.
- Plant in well prepared soil enriched with plenty of garden compost.
- A neutral soil is fine but wisteria plants have been seen flourishing in both slightly acidic and slightly alkaline soils.
- Although drought tolerant the soil should be kept moist during the summer months.
- Wisteria vines use a lot of energy so remember to feed regularly.
Wisteria vines are aggressive climbers and will hold no respect for boundaries so pruning is a must and this is best done in stages during the year with a more formal pruning in the winter. Pruning will help to keep the plant in check, encourage flowering and also reduce the stress on the support structure. Furthermore, is it nearly impossible to kill a wisteria plant by pruning alone –so prune!
- Summer pruning. This is done at any time during the growing season. Cut back any wayward stems by about one-third. New shoots will strike and the plant will look bushier overall.
- Winter pruning. At this time cut back any shoots to within a few inches of the main stems leaving maybe 3 to 5 buds in place.
- Cut away any damaged wood to allow better air circulation and also remove any suckers from around the base of the main stem.
Wisteria, with its draping racemes of fragrant mauve flowers will charm any home entrance, porch or portico and will bloom from early spring right through to May. Planting a wisteria close to an open drawing-room window will infuse the room with a heady scent and this intoxicating charmer is also available in white, pink and purple.
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