Wisteria Growing Guide

Wisteria sinensis, Wisteria floribunda, Wisteria frutescens, Wisteria macrostachya

Crop Rotation Group

Legumes (Pea and Bean family) ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost, with a slightly acidic pH.

Position

Full sun to part shade. Woody wisteria vines require sturdy support, and often are grown on structures that provide filtered shade.

Frost tolerant

Cold hardiness varies with species, with most wisteria hardy to -20°F (-29°C).

Feeding

In early spring as new growth emerges, mulch over the root zones of the plants with rich compost or rotted manure.

Spacing

Single Plants: 5' 10" (1.80m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 5' 10" (1.80m) with 5' 10" (1.80m) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out container-grown plants from spring to early summer. Enrich the planting hole with plenty of compost and set the plant at the same depth it grew in its container. Water well after planting, and cover the root zone with a biodegradable mulch. Be patient with newly planted vines, which may grow slowly their first year. Spacing is 6 feet (2 m) between plants when multiple wisterias are planted to cover a wall or pergola. A single plant with cover a post or overhead arbor. Wisterias also can be pruned into small umbrella-shaped trees.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Tremendously popular in many temperate climates, Chinese wisteria bears masses of fragrant flower clusters in early spring. Japanese wisteria is similar, with better cold hardiness. These are well behaved vines in many areas, but they are invasive in the southern and central US. Good alternatives include American wisterias such as ‘Amethyst Falls’ or more fragrant ‘Blue Moon’ Kentucky wisteria. Unlike the Asian wisterias, which bloom only in spring, the American species often rebloom in summer when grown in hospitable sites.

Harvesting

Wisteria blossoms make wonderful cut flowers for tall containers. Display them out of the reach of children or pets, because all wisteria plant parts are toxic. Wisteria are exuberant woody vines that need sturdy support and annual pruning. Prune in midsummer, after the flowers have gone, removing as much growth as needed to control plant size. Plants grown on pergolas may need additional pruning in late summer to keep them from taking over outdoor living space. Propagate wisteria by rooting stem cuttings taken in summer. You also can air layer a branch by pinning it to moist ground until it develops roots.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Wisteria

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail