Pruning Wisteria

Passionate

hi everybody, I have a lovely lush green four year old wisteria which I am proud of as I hear so many people say they are hard to grow.

this year I had about four to six reasonable length  flower stems which I consider satisfactory at this stage. I follow the RHS pruning regime with care.

My question to other gardeners is :-

I have been told that some people just hack it or shear the top two feet off every year and it comes back looking glorious ??

Am I being too cautious, should I be a little more aggressive, advice would be much appreciated

 

 

SQ

Hi Passionate,

I have the none flowering variety in my garden, (it was put in by the previous owners about 10 years ago) and it does not mind rough treatment at all. Last year I cut it right back, leaving about 1/2 a foot. This year it is crawling its way to the chimney, across the garage, and it looks really green and lush.

I think maybe next year I'll get the flowering variety and plant that next to this one. 

Passionate

Hi SQ are you joking? I wasn't aware there was a non-flowering Wisteria, I know the leaves are a lovely shape but what is the point of no flowers ?????

SQ

Hi Passionate,

Well that's what my friend has told me. I had no idea what the plant is, but just a quick look on the internet, it says that "Wisteria must be seven to 15 years old before they are old enough to bloom". So, it looks as though my friend has ill advised me 

Must look more into how to look after it. Maybe it's just shy.

 

http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/wisteria-blooming-problems.htm

 My what I've been told is non-flowering Wisteria.

 

 

 

 

Dave Morgan

Passionate, you can be harsh with Wisteria, hard pruning actually stimulates the growth, just do it in winter.

BobTheGardener

Wisteria grown from seed can take a decade or more to flower (I have proven that as I actually did that! - it took about 8 or 9 years.)  However, most of the ones you buy will be grafted and should flower in their first spring.  To make sure, I always recommend only buying wisteria when they are actually in flower.  That way you can see exactly what you are getting.

Passionate

hi Bob, yes I heard that and it did put me off buying one for quite a while, then I took a gamble about four years ago and just when I was giving up on the plant I spotted a flower last year, it was like winning the lottery, this year more have grown so I feel very proud and protective about it, I know it's silly but this is how some thing get you.