How to Grow Wisteria

Wisteria is a hardy twining vine with large, pendulum-shaped flower clusters. The varieties are Chinese and Japanese and the flowers can be pink, white, lilac or deep purple. This perennial does require some care, so check out these steps.

Instructions

1. Buy a container grown wisteria at your local nursery. The larger the plant, the sooner it will bloom. You can grow it from seed, but it will take 10 to 15 years to bloom.

2. Choose a planting area in full sun. Do a soil test to determine the pH level. A neutral to slightly acid soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is desired. If needed, make additions of material to adjust pH. Prepare an area 2 to 3 feet wide and 18 to 24 inches deep. Mix in peat moss, compost or manure to improve drainage and aeration.

3. Provide a support on which to train the vine. Keep in mind that wisteria gets heavy as it matures. Use sturdy wire, trellises, arbors or pergolas as supports.

4. Plant the root ball in the soil at the same level it was in the container and water well, soaking the area. Provide 1 inch of water per week to new plants. Once established, you need only water when your plant starts to wilt.

5. Train the vine on the support by choosing a leader shoot and removing any side shoots. The leader will produce side branches from which the flower buds will emerge. When it has reached the desired height, pinch off the leader shoot to encourage more side branches.

6. Keep the vine under control by pruning after it stops blooming in early summer.

7. Fertilize young plants annually, until they reach the desired size. After that, fertilize only if growth is sparse or the foliage starts to yellow.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient when you grow a wisteria. It can take a few seasons to establish and begin blooming.