How to Grow and Care for Wisteria
About Wisteria
Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) grows 15 to 40 feet tall and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. It grows best in full sun to part sun with medium water.
American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is a perennial deciduous woody vine that is native to the eastern United States with distribution in the southeastern and Midwest regions of the US including Texas. It has a USDA Plant hardiness zone range of 5-9. It is characterized by a twining climbing rapid growth habit which is dimensions of up to 40 ft. In height and eight feet in width. It grows best in full sun planted in clay or loam soil with a high organic matter and a slightly acidic pH. The deep green compound leaves are lanceolate in shape, arranged as opposites, as 9-15 lance-shaped leaflets. Lilac-purple flowers appear in the spring, which are fragrant, showy, 3-6 inches, available in colors of blue, gold, green, purple, lavender red Burgundy or White. Limited additional summer blooming may occur. Landscape applications of American Wisteria include rock walls, slopes and banks and vertical spaces in butterfly gardens and pollinator gardens or as designed features as a hedge. The seeds contain a poison of medium severity that may induce vomiting or abdominal pain. American Wisteria may represent a hazard for cats, dogs, or horses, but only if quantities of the seeds are eaten. American Wisteria attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators. It is the host plant for Zarucco Duskwing and Long Tailed Skipper butterflies. Butterflies are attracted to the nectar at the blooms.
When to Plant Wisteria
Plant wisteria in spring or fall next to a sturdy arbor, pergola or fence that can bear its weight.
How to Plant Wisteria
American Wisteria should be planted in the full sun into clay or loam soil that is slightly acidic with a high organic matter content. Because of its growth habit provision for trellises, fences, or walls is necessary. When grown vertically each plant should be provided 4 feet to 8 feet of space.
Wisteria Care
American Wisteria once established requires a medium degree of maintenance. The vines may not bloom for up to 3 years after planting. Staking or provision of a trellis, arbor, or wall is necessary. The seeds of American Wisteria contain a mild poison in the seeds. Care must be taken to avoid leaving the seeds where cats, dogs, or horses might ingest them. Failure of vines to produce flowers may be attributable to a number of causes including the death of flower buds in winter, too much shade, plants too young (especially seed grown ones), improper pruning, or overfertilization.
Fertilizing Wisteria
Growth will be more rapid with routine applications of a slow-release balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer in the spring and summer.
Pruning Wisteria
Routine pruning is not necessary, however, cutting back American Wisteria may be necessary to control the growth and spread of the vines.
Wisteria Pests and Diseases
Although susceptible to a number of foliage-chewing insects and fungal diseases, none are significant.
Is Wisteria Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists wisteria as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The seeds and pods are the most dangerous parts. If you think a pet has eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Wisteria FAQs
Is wisteria invasive?
Chinese and Japanese wisteria are invasive in much of the eastern U.S. American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), profiled here, is native and better behaved.
Why won’t my wisteria bloom?
Young plants can take several years to flower. Too much nitrogen, too much shade or heavy pruning in spring also prevent blooms.
When should I prune wisteria?
Prune twice a year: cut new shoots back after summer flowering, then shorten them to 2 or 3 buds in late winter.
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