Wisteria’s are best pruned twice a year to ensure fantastic blooms every time. They can go quite wild if left unchecked, and produce far more leaf than flower. Their vigerous vines can get into guttering and even lofts – I’ve seen this a few times! – if left to do their own thing without regular pruning.
The first prune of the year is in winter, usually January or February, whilst your Wisteria is dormant. I prune down all the new growth from last year to 2-3 buds. Rouge vines going into guttering, obscuring windows etc are removed and the main growth is tied into wires or trellis, though preferably wires with tensioners. If doing this yourself take care not to overtighten your ties around the vines.
Summer pruning is required to limit the vigour of the new growth as well as keeping it tied in and generally going where you want it to. Its a lighter prune than winter, and is usually done in the summer around August.
New growth is pruned back to 6 leave buds, and tied in where needed. I would usually recommend giving it a feed a couple of times a year as well. During flowering in May, and after this summer prune. Tomato feed will do, and if you have yours in the ground, it is always a good idea to mulch around the base with compost.
If you need your wisteria pruned, please get in touch as I am taking bookings for summer pruning now!
Email me: Ben@Mallowgardens.co.uk or call on 07546750985