Question
Hi Gill, I have an old wisteria which covers the back of my house. In the 10 years since living here we have had a handful of flowers. In the spring it has loads of flower buds and then they gradually drop off. The leaves grow vigourously. I prune twice a year and dont feed. Any suggestions? My next door neighbour has a wisteria that flowers beautifully on the front of his house - I am so jealous!! I live in Staffordshire.

Answer
Hello Lisa

I've read your question over and over again, because although wisteria does have its pest and disease problems, your description indicates a generally healthy plant.

As your wisteria drops its buds every year, but your neighbour has a specimen that flowers beautifully, I've come to the conclusion that the problem probably lies in the position of your plant.

Does the back of your house face north or east?  If so that could very well be the problem.  Wisteria likes to be in sunny position, so yours would be stressed every year.  Short of moving your plant, I don't see an answer to your problem.

I'd be tempted to buy another wisteria plant and put it at the front of the house - I'm almost sure that it would flower - but it could take two or three years until it is mature enough.

I'm sorry I couldn't be more help on this occasion.

Gill