Remember the Three P's When Planting Wisteria
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 preliminary planning stages, the patience required, and the time needed to prune. Proper planning before planting can also save you a few headaches later on.
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 come to be established fairly quickly. Once established, they can be vigorous growers and in southern states especially, can consume whatever 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.
Proper planning and occasional pruning can keep these vines tamed. 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 at last 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.
Pick a spot that is preferably away from the house and provide a strong reserve structure. Remember, the reserve structure will at last be under a heavy mass of vines. Pick a material that won't need frequent painting, or be crushed under the weight of the heavy vines.
Begin with a plant that is 3 to 5 feet tall. The best time to plant it is in early spring. During the first year, don't be surprised if there is limited growth. Wisteria will make 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 preliminary growth, train the vine over your structure. Remember that the flowers will hang down and can be quite long.
After your Wisteria has put on some growth and has begun to cover your structure, you can safely prune the plant to begin to make it fill out, and to keep the growth under control. The best time to prune is in the summer months of July and August. Some plants will need heavy pruning. Don't be afraid of pruning, it will help promote flower buds.
Wisteria can also be trained to grow into a tree form. Some garden centers sell them already trained, but you can train your vine into a tree too. By providing a strong vertical reserve 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 reserve it's own weight. This can take a few years for the vine to grow in diameter adequate 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.
Following the three P's when it comes to Wisteria can ensue in a fantastic addition to your yard that is sure to garner a few comments and second looks from friends, neighbors and passersby alike.
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