The Best Time To Plant Wisteria

Wisteria are slow to start growing after they are initially planted, however, if planted in full sun, in deep, moist, well-drained loam, they can become established fairly quickly. Once established, they can be vigorous growers and in southern states especially, can consume anything they grow on. Trellises, arbors, fences, pergolas, even parts of houses have been lost under the weight of the vine. Planted too close to a house, and left unchecked, the vine has been known to have ripped gutters off a house. A well established Wisteria that is in bloom can be breathtaking. It's large clusters of white or lavender flowers are well worth the effort needed in the initial planning stages, the patience required, and the time needed to prune. Proper planning before planting can also save you a few headaches later on.

Before planting a wisteria, consider the fact that these vines can grow between 30 and 80 feet long. The limiting factor other than geographical location is essentially how large of a structure it has to grow on. If planted next to a large arbor, the plant will eventually cover the arbor, but it growth will be limited if it has no other place to grow. However, if planted next to a house or tall tree, the vine can wrap around the roof line of the house, or climb the entire height tree. Occasional pruning can keep the vine in check, and limit it's advance. The best time to plant it is in early spring. During the first year, don't be surprised if there is little growth. Wisteria will establish it's roots before giving energy to the leaves. Patience is the key with Wisteria. Plants don't usually bloom for 3 to 4 years after being transplanted. During it's initial growth, train the vine over your structure. Remember that the flowers will hang down and can be quite long.

Some garden centers sell them already trained, but you can train your vine into a tree too. By providing a strong vertical support and training your vine up it, you can turn your vine into a small tree. At the desired height, simply cut the end of the vine to force it to fill out from that point. Your tree will need to be supported until it can support it's own weight. This can take a few years for the vine to grow in diameter enough to stay vertical. Your tree will need to be pruned occasionally to keep it in good form, but when it blooms, you will be greatly rewarded with such a beautiful tree. Wisteria seedlings can take a few years before they produce blooms. Because I grow seedlings, that is what I use. Using seedlings does allow me to control and train the plant's development, emphasizing root and early main trunk growth. A strong framework is necessary to support the weight of the mature vine and flower clusters as the plant becomes a bloomer.