How to Grow and Care for Wisteria, a Beautiful Climbing Plant With Vibrant Spring Blooms

A high-climbing vine with purple blooms, wisteria is a gorgeous addition to any garden. It is a fast-growing and low-maintenance plant that trails beautifully up pergolas, fences, trellises, and other structures. While its attractiveness is undeniable, wisteria needs careful tending to—left unchecked, its vines can grow up to 10 feet per season. Despite its fast growth, wisteria can take years to bloom, but under proper growing conditions, this plant can thrive in a variety of climates.

What Is Wisteria? 

Wisteria is a fast-growing flowering vine that produces lilac-colored flowers in early summer, says Ryan McEnaney, garden designer and author of Field Guide to Outside Style: Design and Plant Your Perfect Outdoor Space. Hardy in zones 4 to 9, wisteria is very easy to grow across most of North America when planted in full sun and well-draining soil. There are multiple species of wisteria, some native to North America and others to Asia. 

Varieties of Wisteria 

Some varieties of wisteria can be invasive. Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) and Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) are considered invasive in some parts of the United States—they are especially aggressive growers. “There are North American native species that are fantastic alternative options,” says McEnaney, adding that his favorite is Summer Cascade wisteria. “American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) and Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya) still grow quickly but are not considered invasive.” 

Most types of wisteria have green, lobed leaves covered in drooping lilac flowers. In late summer, the flowers develop into long seed pods. “Chinese and Japanese wisteria have fuzzy seed pods, while North American species are smooth,” says McEnaney. “Asian species also have flowers that emerge before the leaves, while North American species flower after the leaves appear in spring.” 

When to Plant Wisteria 

The best time to plant wisteria is in early- to mid-spring or during fall, as the moderate temperatures give the root system time to establish in the soil. “This helps wisteria avoid the heat stress of summer,” says McEnaney. “The plant is already adjusting to a new home, so you don’t want to add even more stress with summer heat.” 

How to Plant Wisteria

Whether you plant wisteria in the ground or in a container, the process is the same. “If your natural soil is not well-draining, amend the replacement soil with compost (or potting soil in a container),” says McEnaney. 

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot the wisteria came in and at least as deep. 
2. Remove the plant from the plastic pot and place it in the center of the hole.
3. Backfill the hole with soil to secure the newly planted vine in place. 

How to Grow Wisteria in Pots

If you choose to grow wisteria in containers, you need to make sure you use a large enough pot for its substantial root system to establish. The pot should have drainage holes to keep the soil from getting water-logged. Keep in mind that wisteria forms thick trunks and dense root systems, so it can be difficult to re-pot it successfully if it outgrows its container. 

How to Care for Wisteria

Wisteria is very easy to grow, but it needs proper conditions in order to thrive and eventually bloom. 

Light

Wisteria prefers full sun and should get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day in order to maximize its blooms, says McEnaney. 

Soil

Plant wisteria in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, which is necessary for its overall health. If you have poor soil conditions, make sure to amend it before planting wisteria, says McEnaney. 

Water

As your wisteria establishes, make sure the soil stays evenly moist. As it matures, wisteria becomes somewhat drought tolerant but needs a good soak on hot, dry days, says McEnaney. 

Temperature

Most types of wisteria are hardy in zone 4 and 5, but can tolerate heat into zone 9, meaning it can tolerate most climates across North America. “In drier regions without humidity, pay attention to watering so the plants don’t dry out, especially while in flower,” says McEnaney. 

Fertilizer 

Wisteria doesn’t need much extra food but can perform best with an application of bloom-boosting fertilizer in spring. “If you are planting wisteria in pots, fertilizer is more important than in the landscape, so be sure to apply once a year in spring,” says McEnaney. 

Support 

Since wisteria is an aggressive vine, it needs a strong support structure like a pergola, fence, or trellis to grow up. “The blooms and vines can be heavy, so be sure the structure is solid and can support the growing weight over the years,” says McEnaney. 

How to Prune Wisteria

Pruning wisteria will prevent the plant from taking over your garden. Young plants should be cut back to just a few feet in late winter after their first season. “Start training your central stems up their support structures and prune off side shoots that may be coming unruly,” says McEnaney. “As the vine establishes, prune in late summer after the flowers fade and then again in late summer.” 

Prune the plant every year to make sure it doesn’t get out of control. If you see new growth (called suckers) develop at the base, cut them back. Once the basic framework of the wisteria plant is established, the aim of pruning is to control extension growth and to encourage the production of lateral flowering spurs, says Finkle-Guerrero, plant information specialist at New York Botanical Garden.

How to Propagate Wisteria

The easiest way to propagate wisteria is by cuttings. Keep in mind that it may take a few years for propagated plants to start flowering.

1. Take a cutting of the top 6 inches of a vine strand.
2. Strip the leaves off the bottom few inches of the strand.
3. Dip the cut end of the strand in a rooting hormone.
4. Plant the cutting in a container filled with potting soil.
5. Water well, keeping the soil evenly moist (cover with a clear plastic dome if in a dry environment).
6. Once the roots have grown to at least 3 inches, you can re-pot the vine into a larger pot or move to the landscape.

What to Do if Your Wisteria Won't Bloom

Wisteria can take up to five years to bloom, so either buy a plant that's already in flower and has already set buds or have patience as the plant establishes. "Since wisteria flower on new growth, a harsh winter can also damage flower buds and reduce flowering," says McEnaney. "To maximize your blooms, be sure to apply bloom-boosting fertilizer if you have poor soil, make sure the vine is getting enough sun, and keep the soil evenly moist all summer to avoid too much stress on the plant."

Common Problems When Growing Wisteria

Wisteria doesn’t typically suffer from pests or diseases that cause the plant long-term harm. "Some insects like aphids and mealybugs will infest the vines but can be killed with natural insecticidal soap," says McEnaney. "Few viruses and fungi impact wisteria, but if you notice powdery mildew, remove the leaves or spray with fungicide."

Although it's uncommon, if you notice mushrooms develop around the base, you may have a fungal root disease called honey fungus. This is an incurable disease and the wisteria will need to be cut back below where the fungus begins or will need to be removed and replaced.