White Wisteria

Overview

White wisteria perennial vines are a favorite in the garden with their delicate fragrance and clusters of pea-like blossoms hanging in 1- to 3-foot clusters of pastel colors, such as violet, blue or white. Wisteria is a woody vine native to North America and eastern Asia that blooms in late spring and reaches heights up to 30 feet or more if not kept pruned back. Spread over a trellis, fence, arbor or tree, this vine creates a beautiful canopy of color.

Step 1

Choose a location with at least six hours of sun daily. Wisteria can tolerate some shade, but for maximum flowering, full sun works best.

Step 2

Prepare your soil so it has good drainage. Although wisteria can grow in most types of soil, it does need good drainage. If necessary, mix in peat moss or organic material.

Step 3

Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Soak the roots in a pail of water for about three hours before planting. Set the white wisteria plant in the hole so the top of the roots sit at least 1 inch below ground level.

Step 4

Arrange the roots out in a spoke shape, being careful not to break the roots, which can be delicate. Fill in the hole with soil, tamping down as you go to help eliminate air pockets in the hole. Firm the soil around the crown of the roots.

Step 5

Form a basin around the wisteria plant by building up the soil to make a rim around the outside edge of the plant. The rim should be approximately 2 to 3 inches high to help hold the water in and allow it to seep down to the roots.

Step 6

Water the wisteria thoroughly after planting, then give your plant 1 inch of water per week. If it is rainy, you may be able to cut back on watering.

Step 7

Stake your new wisteria plant to protect it against winds that can break and damage its limbs. Place two stakes on either side of the plant about 1/2 inch away from the trunk, then tie them together with plastic tie tape, which is available at gardening stores. As the plant grows, use heavier stakes and re-tie as needed to allow for the wisteria's growth.

Step 8

Fertilize lightly once a year in the spring. Too much fertilizer can inhibit blooms from forming. Use a fertilizer higher in phosphate, such as a 5-10-10.