Tell me how to make the most of Wisteria

alexemmersonuk

Hi all! I have a couple of Wisteria plants. I absolutely love Wisteria, but I have never grown it before and don't know anything about it apart from it grows slowly and it likes sun! I have a very sunny spot on the side of my house that I am thinking of trying it out. The plants are still in a pot. Would you put them in the ground? Also, will it need a climbing structure? Has any of you actually managed to grow Wisteria successfully up a wall in this country? Thanks! (I'll post a picture shortly) 

Lyn

Depends how big they are, I put this one in when it was small, it’s been in there for about 6 years and has bloomed for the last three.  It’s not fully out yet, all our plants are later here where we live, some people’s may have bloomed already.

You can buy eyelets (vine eyes) from garden centres or amazon and a strong galvanised wire to thread through. 
They will grow anywhere in this country,  although I’m not sure about the north of Scotland.
I have never fed it, just put a nice pile of homemade compost on in the autumn. 
Once they’re away they grow quite quickly. 

Obelixx

That's a good 'un @Lyn!   Love it.

Lyn

Thank you Obi,  nice for a young un,  Daughter bought that for me for my birthday.

purplerallim

Mine is 5 years old and growing along a trellis.  It has missed a year flowering, but is at its best this year.

P.S. Get it in the ground, and I fed mine manure this spring.

Jellyfire

This is ours, about 8-9 years old but was probably a couple of years old when bought, but has been flowering since about year 3 or 4 I think. Planted in the ground, not fed or watered. 

The one thing I would say is they are NOT slow growing, keeping them in check is the main issue (note it’s invaded the roof so needs chopping back). The best flowering years have come after I’ve pruned it properly (ie twice a year - I usually do around September and January) on the years I’ve forgotten it’s bloomed but nowhere near as well.