Nothing beats wisteria when it drips its fragrant flowers from the branches in late spring and early summer. Still known as wisteria or wisteria, the climbing plant creates beautiful white or blue-violet accents in the garden - regardless of whether it climbs up a pergola, is attached to a wall or draped over a garden arch. Pruning in a timely manner is necessary for lush flowering. In this article we will explain when this is best done and how to cut the wisteria correctly.
Why should you cut wisteria?
The wisteria is known and loved for its spectacular flowers. Without pruning, the climbing plant tends to grow profusely and produces masses of leaves at the expense of the flowers. Pruning at the right time directs the plant's energy toward forming flower buds instead of leaves, making the bloom more lush and showy. Pruning also ensures that the branches inside the plant receive more light, resulting in healthier growth overall.
And when is the right time?
If you are wondering whether you should cut wisteria in the summer after flowering or in the winter before new growth, then we say this: Both are correct. The best way to cut wisteria is to cut ittwice a year– once in summer (end of July/August) and once in winter (February/beginning of March). Double pruning keeps the plant under control and ensures lush blooms. It is important to note that both prunings are necessary and depend on each other.
Cutting wisteria in winter: This is how it works
Winter pruning of wisteria is closely linked to summer pruning. The more severe pruning takes place in the summer, between the end of July and August, when the new shoots are cut back to a length of 15 cm and the side shoots up to 50 cm. In February or early March, the shoots that have already been cut back are shortened. You shouldn't cut back too much - two to a maximum of three leaf buds are enough. This will encourage flower production in the coming season.
When your wisteria has reached the desired height, you can also cut back the leading shoots by about a third in late winter. Not only does this help control the overall size of the plant, but it also ensures that the wood stays strong and in shape rather than growing weak and sprawling.
Now you can also remove any overhanging or unruly branches that deviate from the main shape of the vine. You can also cut off frozen or diseased shoots - they are of no use to the plant.
The biggest advantage of winter pruning is that you can see the structure of the plant much better after the leaves have fallen. Pruning at this time will keep wisteria under control and ensure that the flowers are not obscured by leaves in summer.
The only thing to keep in mind regarding timing is to prune on a frost-free day.
Also interesting:How to grow wisteria in a container?
