Overview

Wisteria is a twining vine that requires a bit of work to maintain, but the show-stopping clusters of white, pink, lilac, blue or purple flowers make the work worth it for many gardeners. Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is the most popular wisteria vine because of its heavy blooming. With a height of up to 25 feet and flower clusters between 6 and 12 inches long, a Chinese wisteria begins to bloom three to four years after planting.

Step 1

Purchase a pot-grown wisteria plant from a reputable source. Larger plants can cost up to $100 but will bloom sooner.

Step 2

Secure a trellis with cement or as per the instructions for a freestanding trellis. Wisteria needs a strong support structure, so consider metal or well-constructed wood.

Step 3

Plant wisteria in a full-sun location in well-draining soil at the base of your trellis. Dig the hole twice the depth of the root ball and about two to three times as wide. Pack the soil back around the roots and water it well. Space multiple wisteria plants at least 10 feet apart.

Step 4

Choose a lead shoot from your plant and prune off the side shoots. As your lead shoot winds itself around your support structure, let side shoots grow and train them on the trellis. Continue pruning side shoots to the sixth or seventh leaf to allow more to establish themselves for a couple of years while the lead shoot grows.

Step 5

Water and fertilize regularly.