How to Grow Wisteria Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Wisteria tree is a flowering plant that is native to China. The plant has a beautiful lavender flowers that bloom in the spring. The plant can grow up to 30 feet tall and is a popular choice for gardens.

How to Grow Wisteria Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Blue Moon Wisteria
  • Amethyst Falls Wisteria
  • Carillon Wisteria
  • Lavender Lace Wisteria
  • Silky Wisteria

Common Knowledge

  • Wisteria is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae.
  • There are around 10 species of wisteria, all native to China.
  • Wisteria are climbing plants, using their strong, twining stems to support themselves as they grow.
  • They can grow to be very large, with some species reaching up to 30m in length.
  • The flowers of wisteria are very showy, often being violet or blue in colour.
  • They are highly fragrant, and are often used in perfumes and soaps.
  • The leaves of wisteria are usually pinnate, with 9-19 leaflets.
  • The fruit of wisteria is a pod, which can be up to 30cm long and contains numerous seeds.
  • Wisteria is a popular plant for gardens, often being used as a climbing plant on trellises or pergolas.
  • Some of the most popular wisteria species include Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) and Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria).

Related plant:
Wisteria Bonsai

Planting Process

  1. For wisteria tree, first step is to find a suitable location. It should be a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  2. then, dig a hole twice the size of the tree’s root ball and mix some compost into the excavated soil.
  3. After that, you need to carefully remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole.
  4. Fill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  5. Next, water the tree deeply and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
  6. The tree will need to be staked in order to prevent it from toppling over. Use two stakes placed on either side of the tree and fasten them securely with rope or twine.
  7. As the tree grows, you will need to periodically monitor the length of the rope or twine and adjust as necessary.
  8. The wisteria tree will need to be pruned regularly to encourage growth and promote flowering.
  9. To do this, simply cut back any new growth to two or three buds from the main stem.
  10. Finally, wisteria tree will produce an abundance of fragrant flowers in the springtime. Enjoy them indoors or use them to decorate your outdoor living space!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, wisteria tree need well-drained soil with low fertility to flower well and set seed pods. Fertile soils encourage too much leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Wisteria also tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from 6.0 (acidic) to 7.5 (alkaline).

About light

Like the other plants, a wisteria tree needs sun to grow and thrive. Without sun, the tree will not be able to produce the food it needs to survive. The amount of sun that a wisteria tree needs depends on the variety of tree. Some varieties need full sun, while others do well in partial shade. If you are not sure how much sun your wisteria tree needs, ask a nursery or garden center for advice.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions play a big role in the growth of a Wisteria tree. If the temperature is too cold, the tree will not grow as well. The tree needs to be in a warm environment in order to thrive.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. If the humidity level drops below 30%, the leaves will start to brown and the flowers will fall off. If the humidity level goes above 60%, the leaves will start to turn yellow and the flowers will fall off.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this type of plant food is important for wisteria trees because it provides them with the nutrients they need to grow. The roots of the tree are where the majority of the nutrients are taken in. The tree takes in water and nutrients through the roots and this is how the tree gets its strength.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a vital part of caring for a wisteria tree. While the plant is dormant, prune back any dead or diseased branches. Cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. In the spring, prune the wisteria tree to the desired shape.

About Propagating

Propagation is usually by softwood or hardwood cuttings, taken from late spring to mid-summer, or by chip budding or grafting in late summer. Wisteria can also be grown from seed, although it is generally not as reliable as other methods of propagation.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is not fast, about 6 to 12 inches per year. The tree does best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It prefers a well-drained, moist soil but is tolerant of some drought. The tree is not particular about soil type.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are yellow leaves, stunted growth, and poor flowering. These problems are often caused by incorrect growing conditions, such as too much shade, too much sun, or too much water. Improper pruning can also cause problems.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your wisteria tree regularly, especially when the weather is dry.
  • Feed your wisteria tree every few weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
  • Prune your wisteria tree regularly to promote bushy growth and to prevent it from getting too leggy.
  • Place your wisteria tree in a sunny spot in your garden for best growth.
  • Stake your wisteria tree if it is tall, to prevent it from falling over in strong winds.
  • Protect your wisteria tree from frost damage in winter by wrapping it in horticultural fleece or burlap.
  • Bring your potted wisteria tree indoors over winter if you live in a cold climate.
  • Propagate your wisteria tree by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  • Insect pests such as aphids and scale can

Similar Plants

  • Wisteria sinensis (wisteria tree)
  • Wisteria venusta (wisteria tree)
  • Wisteria macrostachya (wisteria tree)
  • Wisteria floribunda (wisteria tree)
  • Wisteria brachybotrys (wisteria tree)
  • Wisteria floribunda ‘Alba’ (wisteria tree)
  • Wisteria floribunda ‘Blue Moon’ (wisteria tree)
  • Wisteria frutescens (wisteria tree)
  • Wisteria sinensis ‘Prolific’ (wisteria tree)
  • Wisteria sinensis ‘Alba’ (wisteria tree)

Source:
Wisteria | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Wisteria—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Wisteria - Texas A&M University

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