Wisteria

Choose the Right Location

Wisteria does not tolerate transplanting and requires many years before blooming, so choose your planting spot carefully. Its thick, woody vines require support on pergolas, arbors, fences, terrace walls, or fences. But don't let it grow alongside buildings, or its fast-growing vines will creep into gutter systems and scramble under shingles and siding. Wisteria grows best in full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil.

Editor's Note: Wisteria can be invasive. Check with your local Extension Service to be sure it is not an invasive plant in your region.

Wisteria Care Must-Knows

Wisteria is slow to flower. Vines grown from seed require 10 years or more to produce flowers; commercially grown cuttings or grafted plants typically require about eight years before producing flowers.

Wisteria requires annual pruning to promote flowering and keep the vigorous plant in bounds. Trim stems to desired length in spring or early summer, right after the blooms fade, and again in mid- to late summer to maintain the plant's size and shape.

Grow These Varieties

'Prolific' is a Chinese wisteria named for its many spring lilac-purple flowers. It often flowers at an earlier age and with greater abundance than other varieties. 'Purple Patches' sets 3-foot-long flower clusters. 'Okayama Silky' has rich violet flowers with a strong pleasing perfume.