Growing a Wisteria Vine

Wisteria vines are often seen elegantly draping columns and arbors of exclusive homes on magazine covers. Although it looks delicate, the Wisteria is a garden plant that tolerates a range of elements, and is a hardy grower. With some careful forethought and planning, anyone can add drama and beauty to their garden with a Wisteria.

The Wisteria is a member of the pea family. It is commonly available in nurseries as the Chinese or Japanese Wisteria. The most common color seen is purple, but there are varieties with white, blue, or pink flowers. New plants can take several years to reach an age where they flower, so it can be advantageous to purchase a more mature and established plant. The Wisteria is a deciduous vine, which means that it has a dormant period and a growing period. It is a fast growing vine, and can reach heights of thirty feet or more.

Give the planting location of your Wisteria careful consideration. As the plant matures, the stems harden and become woody. This makes it difficult to move your plant without causing significant trauma and damage. The location should be in full sun, or partial sun and partial shade. The Wisteria prefers well-drained soil, although it will tolerate some drying of the soil or over-watering. Wilting leaves are a sign that your plant is not getting enough water.

The fast-growth of the plant is another thing to consider in choosing a location. A Wisteria can be left to grow into a bush or shrub, or it can be pruned into a tree or vine. As it grows, the vine will become heavy, so make sure that it has a support structure. Major pruning should be done while the plant is dormant, in the months of November through December. Trimming the branches to control growth can be done at any time.

In addition to it's beauty, the Wisteria attracts butterflies and is a great addition to a butterfly garden. With its fast growth and abundance of flowers, it is a great way to enhance the curb-appeal of your home, or to create drama in your garden. Whether you train it to fill in a space in your yard, or let mother nature take hold and let it grow wild and natural, you can enjoy its beauty for years to come.