Question
QUESTION: We had a huge purple lavender wisteria which covered our entire 20 x 20 patio trellis, planted in 1997 and happily grew and grew for over 10 years. Last summer, leaves on this robust plant started to turn yellow, whither and fall off. Close inspection showed that the large branches were also dying. We cut all the dead stuff (most of this entire plant). I had planned to remove and start with a new one...but we noticed, as we started digging it out, that the roots were happy and that there were some healthy green shoots! So, we pushed the soil back and prayed. Over the past year it grew vigorously, bloomed in May and made seed pods...Now, SUDDENLY, there are several leaf branches with yellow, wilting, dying leaves. I fear that whatever affected the plant before has started again. Nothing has changed as far as water amount, no pests,....my local nursery has examined the leaves and is stumped! Any ideas??????

ANSWER: Dear wisteria woes:

I suspect there may be a soil/root related issue. There may be a disease in the roots. There are several microorganisms that are normally present in the soil that don't normally attack healthy roots, BUT if the plant gets stressed or weak for some other reason, then the microorganisms take the opportunity to attack a weakened plant then they get the upper hand. Objective: to start and maintain a vigorous growing plant -one less likely to be attacked. You may be better off by starting fresh by planting a healthy plant and maintaining it in a good condition. Always be care on watering- this can do them in often times, especially if your soil has a lot of clay in it.

Wisteria has always been a favorite of mine. As a child (just a few years back!!LOL)I use to catch large black bees on the blooms and tie a sewing thread on a leg and watch them fly around. The vine attracted this certain bee, so I could always know where to look for one that wouldn't sting me.

Oh well, Enjoy your 4th.

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Steve. I am going to clean out around the base of the trunk and try some worm gold...maybe I can save it if I give it a nutritious jolt. You also say to be careful on watering....we have received different advice on how much water. One nursery said that wisteria are drought tolerant and prefer dryer soil; another said keep evenly moist. The original 10 year old wisteria (and this newer baby) was watered just with the lawn and bedding sprinklers and over those 10 years never seemed to prefer more or less watering....
So I guess we don't know if we should cut down on the irrigation/sprinklers near the wisteria or water more?!?

Answer
Christena:
Not an easy call. Depends a lot on your existing soil and how well it holds water. Historically, soils that have a lot of sand tend to dry out faster and those w/clay in them holds water. Most plants do not like "wet feet" for any length of time. I would say go lightly on the water, especially once the plant gets established in the landscape.

Steve