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| Wisteria floribunda
Japanese wisteriaCulture: Cultivation in full sun is a must for flower production, however there are many other things that affect flowering. Plants should be transplanted from containers or balled and burlapped specimens into moist, well-drained sites. Although they should perform best in slightly alkaline soils, they will tolerate neutral to even slightly acidic soils. Plants should be located in a site protected from cold winter winds in northern areas because although plants may survive, the flower buds are less cold hardy. One of the most trying times is getting the plant to flower for the first time. The age of the plant is important, with conventional wisdom indicating that a plant must be at least 7 years of age, although that number varies considerably. Grafted cultivars will generally flower sooner than seedling material. Subjecting the well-established vine to stress through root pruning or drought may be helpful in getting the plant into the flowering mode. Usually once a plant starts flowering, it will continue to do so in the following years provided the culture is not radically changed, you avoid heavy fertilization and there is no cold injury to the buds. Avoid nitrogen fertilization although phosphorous may be helpful. Pruning the previous season's growth back to only a few buds on each stem can also help induce the plant to begin flowering. As my mother used to tell me – patience is a virtue! Although there are a variety of potential insect and disease problems, this species is typically fairly trouble free.Usage: The Japanese wisteria makes an excellent specimen when grown on a trellis or pergola, on top of walls or as a screen with adequate support. The strength of the support is important to consider from day one. Plants cannot be removed from an existing trellis or support other than through drastic pruning. A steel structure or a very tough treated wood support is recommended, as this vigorous plant will readily crush anything less. In the initial stages of growth, it is important not to allow the stems to twine around each other, as they will gradually girdle each other. Train each stem up a separate support or rope. Never allow this plant to climb trees because the vine will girdle the trunks. With a high level of maintenance, this plant can be used to cover a stone or brick wall, but this requires frequent sturdy anchors and pruning to keep the plant flattened to the wall. Occasionally this plant is trained as a free-standing large shrub as can be seen in Kew Gardens, London. |
