Flowering Vine Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria chinensis)

Wisteria vines are strong twining, climbing, flowering vines that can grow to reach 65 feet tall. Wisteria are most valued for their long, pendant clusters of violet-blue flowers. Varieties of wisteria vine are available that produce flowers of varying colors (from white to pink to deep reddish and bluish-violet). Beanlike velvety pods remain after the leaves fall but are not particularly ornamental.

All wisterias bloom, but some vines take as long as 7 to 15 years to produce their first flowers. To boost leaf and stem growth try excessive nitrogen fertilizer. This will not, however, increase or stimulate flower production. To help induce flowering in wisteria vines you might try an application of superphosphate in early spring, severe pruning of the new growth in late spring or early summer, and root pruning in late autumn.

Growing Wisteria Vines

Wisteria vines are best when trained horizontally on a wire or structure 10 to 20 feet above the ground. The climbing wisteria vines are excellent for use on open-structured roofs over patios and terraces, but it is important not to plant them too closely to trees or shrubs as it will suffocate their growth. Maintain vigorous flowering perennial vines by pruning them severely, and repeat in late summer on new shoots that develop.

Wisteria vines do best in a deep, rich, moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. A sunny location will favor maximum flower production.