7 hours Ago By Sophie Law
Wisteria is a beautiful addition to any garden, blooming its signature purple flowers in spring and early summer. The vines can grow up to 20m tall, and can frame doorways, arches and windows providing a beautiful display. However, those who have wisteria growing in their garden may come to realise that producing blooms year after year takes a little effort - especially if the plant is new.
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, told Express.
co.uk that winter pruning is essential for flowers to make an appearance come May and June. “To encourage wisteria to bloom in summer, start pruning in January and February.
This redirects the plant’s energy from leaf and stem growth to flower production," he said. The gardening expert also recommended regular fertilisng to encourage growth. He said: “In spring, feed wisteria with a balanced or high phosphorus fertiliser to support strong growth and flowering.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers, as they promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of blooms. “Wisteria are hungry plants, so regular feeding is essential. Those growing against a sturdy surface should be fertilised monthly, while potted wisteria require weekly feeding to sustain their growth.
" Pruning in summer is also recomended, according to Bonnett. This gets rid of any leafy shoots to encourage growth of more flowers each year. “You will need to follow up with a summer prune, as this will get rid of leafy growth and continue to promote flower development, ensuring your wisteria’s beauty remains," he said.
The expert added: “Ensure the soil is well drained and slightly alkaline, as wisteria thrives in moist, nutrient-rich conditions. Providing the right care will help your wisteria produce a stunning summer display of flowers.”.
