Lawn Guardian

Wisteria Care Guide

Wisteria sinensis

vineZones 5–9

Vigorous, long-lived vine with spectacular cascading clusters of fragrant purple or white flowers in spring. Requires sturdy support and firm pruning to control.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Enjoy bloom display Late spring

Fragrant flower clusters can reach 12 inches long. Support heavy bloom weight on arbors and pergolas.

Summer

Summer prune for control Mid to late summer

Cut back all new whippy growth to 6 inches (5-6 leaves) from the main framework. This controls size and encourages flower buds.

Remove root suckers Throughout summer

Pull or cut suckers emerging from the ground away from the main trunk.

Fall

Winter prune for flowers Late fall/early winter

Shorten summer-pruned shoots further to 2-3 buds. These stubby spurs produce next spring's flowers.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns