Alert issued to anyone growing wisteria in their garden

Anyone growing wisteria in their garden has been advised to take action to keep their plant healthy and under control. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has emphasized the importance of hard pruning , especially for older plants or those spreading too far over buildings and windows. As wisteria matures, its branches can become overgrown, tangled, and unruly.

To maintain a strong framework and encourage flowering, gardeners may need to cut back long branches, remove ageing stems just above a healthy young shoot, or even trim sections down to the main branch or ground level. Pruning can also be necessary when the plant’s support structure requires maintenance. The RHS advises caution when handling thicker, twisting branches, recommending that gardeners trace and mark them with string before cutting to prevent mistakes.



Hard pruning stimulates vigorous new growth, meaning wisteria will recover quickly, but it is best to avoid fertilizing in the first spring after a major cutback. Feeding too soon can result in excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. If any gaps appear in the plant’s framework, new shoots can be trained into place, usually resuming flowering within two to three years.

Unwanted basal shoots, which often emerge after severe pruning, should be removed unless needed as replacement branches. The ideal time for hard pruning is between leaf fall and early February, while regular maintenance pruning should continue throughout summer and winter. By following these expert guidelines, gardeners can ensure their wisteria remains healthy, well-structured, and covered in its signature cascading blooms for years to come.

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