Growing Wisteria

Japanese wisteria, or Wisteria floribunda, and Chinese wisteria, or Wisteria sinensis, are the two species that dominate the wisteria range. These climbers, with their sweet, light scent and their ability to attract bees, are unparalleled in providing shade in summer and basking in winter sun once their leaves fall.

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While the prospect of growing wisteria may seem daunting due to its habit of suckering and invading other garden sections, it's important to remember that with the right care, these challenges can be managed. They are also known for their ability to thrive in adverse conditions, making them a stunning climber over pergolas or a perfect cover for an old Hills Hoist.

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Those who grow them are known for their elegance, quick growing habit, and ability to take adverse treatment. Wisteria plants are remarkably resilient and can tolerate a variety of adverse conditions, including poor soil, drought, and neglect. They are a stunning climber over pergolas or even a climber hiding an old hill hoist. In this area, it is easier to see if they try to sucker or escape into unwanted regions. It is okay if you plant one and it does not flower in the first few years as they need to settle their roots before flowering is a regular occurrence unless a grafted plant is planted or an older specimen.

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A firm hand is needed when pruning, but these are one of the plants you want to cut back in late spring after they have flowered. Prune hard to maintain shape and vigour.  If you prune in winter, you will take out the wood they flower on, and then become disappointed with the lack of the spectacular flowers in spring.

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Being a quick grower and heavy flowering climber, you need to feed regularly in spring and summer in the early years. To ensure a massive flower display, fertilise with a liquid fertiliser such as Flourish Flower & Foliage Soluble Plant Food or Liquid Potash fortnightly just before spring and to the end of flowering, e.g. August to February.  Fertilising time may vary slightly with different varieties. If you fertilise too heavily once it has reached its desired size, it will encourage more growth and more pruning. Once established, they are reasonably drought-hardy, but it is best to nurture them when they are young with regular watering, especially if you try to keep them in pots.

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Some varieties are grown by grafting to ensure a certain colour consistency and quicker flowering. If you grow them from seed at home, you are not guaranteed it will be a copy of the parent plant. Wisteria is a lovely climber, and you can see magnificent displays in gardens, using espaliers, trellises, arbours, and even the humble Hills Hoists.

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