Prune wisteria (optional)

Wisterias can be left untrained where space allows, but can easily outgrow the walls and pergolas that support them. Whether free-standing, climbing a tree or pergola, or as an espalier against a wall, all wisterias flower more freely if pruned correctly.

The pruning technique used for wisterias is called 'spur pruning'. It removes all the excessive growth and maintains a framework of short, flowering lateral 'spur' stems growing from the main stems. Pruning takes place twice a year, with summer pruning to keep the vigorous shoot growth in check and winter pruning to define the next season's flowering wood.

In late summer, or two months after flowering, shorten back this years growth to roughly 5-7 leaves from the permanent spurs. This allows sunlight to ripen the wood encouraging flower-bud formation, to control the vigour and to prevent stems from dangling down and blocking paths.

Keep an eye on unwanted growth from the base of the plant, pruning them off where necessary and If you're still training new stems to enlarge the framework, continue tying-in these growths.

Why prune?

How to prune