Xela's Garden
Chinese Wisteria [S]
Genus: Wisteria.
Species: Wisteria sinensis.
planted '05 Shenstone front wall
Bought at Jardinerie Garden Centre, Stokenchurch for £?
Common Name: Chinese wisteria
Genus: Wisteria
Species: sinensis
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Moist
Height: 900cm
Spread: 400cm
Time to take cuttings: June to July
Flowering period: May to June
The flowers of Chinese wisteria open in early summer, arising from bare stems as the foliage does not appear until the flowers are over. The species has lavender flowers, but named varieties are available in shades of violet or white. It can be grown traditionally on the wall of a large house, with wall nails used to hold the framework of main stems in place, or allowed to scramble through a big tree where it looks most spectacular as well as being maintenance free. Like most wisterias, this is slow to get established and may take several years to start flowering. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Photos of this plant
Reminders for this plant
Due almost 17 years ago:
Prune
Shorten the summer-pruned shoots to within 2.5-5cm (1-2in) of older wood or to two or three buds (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp).
It should be possible now to distinguish the plumper flower buds from the slimmer growth buds.
Long, whippy shoots that grew after the summer pruning (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp) should also be pruned. Cut these back to five or six buds from the main branch, making the cut just above a bud.
Due over 16 years ago:
Prune
Begin by tying in any new shoots that are needed to extend the existing framework of branches, to fill in any gaps or to replace worn-out limbs.
Then shorten the current year's shoots to about 30cm (1ft). Removing shoots at this time of year will restrict the amount of growth, improve air circulation and allow in more sunlight to ripen the young stems. All of these factors help to improve flower-bud formation.
Due almost 16 years ago:
Prune
Shorten the summer-pruned shoots to within 2.5-5cm (1-2in) of older wood or to two or three buds (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp).
It should be possible now to distinguish the plumper flower buds from the slimmer growth buds.
Long, whippy shoots that grew after the summer pruning (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp) should also be pruned. Cut these back to five or six buds from the main branch, making the cut just above a bud.
Prune
Shorten the summer-pruned shoots to within 2.5-5cm (1-2in) of older wood or to two or three buds (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp).
It should be possible now to distinguish the plumper flower buds from the slimmer growth buds.
Long, whippy shoots that grew after the summer pruning (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp) should also be pruned. Cut these back to five or six buds from the main branch, making the cut just above a bud.
Prune
Shorten the summer-pruned shoots to within 2.5-5cm (1-2in) of older wood or to two or three buds (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp).
It should be possible now to distinguish the plumper flower buds from the slimmer growth buds.
Long, whippy shoots that grew after the summer pruning (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp) should also be pruned. Cut these back to five or six buds from the main branch, making the cut just above a bud.
Due over 15 years ago:
Prune
Cut back this year's new long shoots to just beyond the second or third bud from the base.
Due almost 15 years ago:
Prune
Shorten the summer-pruned shoots to within 2.5-5cm (1-2in) of older wood or to two or three buds (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp).
It should be possible now to distinguish the plumper flower buds from the slimmer growth buds.
Long, whippy shoots that grew after the summer pruning (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp) should also be pruned. Cut these back to five or six buds from the main branch, making the cut just above a bud.
Due over 14 years ago:
Prune
Begin by tying in any new shoots that are needed to extend the existing framework of branches, to fill in any gaps or to replace worn-out limbs.
Then shorten the current year's shoots to about 30cm (1ft). Removing shoots at this time of year will restrict the amount of growth, improve air circulation and allow in more sunlight to ripen the young stems. All of these factors help to improve flower-bud formation.
Due almost 14 years ago:
Prune
Shorten the summer-pruned shoots to within 2.5-5cm (1-2in) of older wood or to two or three buds (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp).
It should be possible now to distinguish the plumper flower buds from the slimmer growth buds.
Long, whippy shoots that grew after the summer pruning (http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp) should also be pruned. Cut these back to five or six buds from the main branch, making the cut just above a bud.
Due over 13 years ago:
Prune
Cut back this year's new long shoots to just beyond the second or third bud from the base.
Due almost 13 years ago:
Prune
see plant notes for details
Due almost 12 years ago:
Prune
Prune Jan - Feb ... see previous notes
Due over 11 years ago:
Prune
Prune July - August ... see previous notes
