WHEN TO PRUNE WISTERIA?

Wisteria are a genus of flowering plants from the pea family - yes, the 'pea' family - that includes ten species of woody climbing vines native to the Eastern United States and then further afield to China, Korea, and Japan. Some species are popular ornamental plants, especially in England, China and Japan.

Wisteria tunnel

The English botanist Thomas Nuttall who discovered the wisteria for the Western world named the genus in memory of Dr. Caspar Wistar (1761–1818)

Wisteria are one of the most floriferous and coveted of all climbers. And because they are normally purchased as grafted stock they are also one of the most expensive. With that in mind you will want to get the most out of yours and if you get the pruning right your wisteria will flower it's heart out.

However, when it comes to pruning, wisteria is unlike other plants. Why? Because wisteria will need pruning twice a year. Once in July or August, and then again in January or February.

Summer pruning 

Pruning wisteria

Cut back the whippy green shoots of the current year’s growth to five or six leaves after flowering in July or August.

This controls the size of the wisteria, preventing it getting into guttering and windows, and encourages it to form flower buds rather than green growth.

Winter pruning 

Cut back the same growths to two or three buds in January or February when the plant is dormant and leafless.

This tidies it up before the growing season starts and ensure the flowers will not be obscured by leaves.

For related articles click onto:
HOW TO GROW WISTERIA FROM SEED
HOW TO TAKE CUTTINGS OF WISTERIA
WHEN DO YOU PRUNE FORSYTHIA