Magical vine

Amarjeet Singh Batth

Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) is among the most beautiful vines on the planet. It is a high climbing woody vine which blooms profusely towards the end of spring and early summer. It bears large drooping spectacular clusters of cascading bluish to purple flowers that look fascinating while hanging from a pergola or archway and remain in bloom for almost a month. Fast and aggressively growing, this vine often spreads 25-30 feet and if not pruned and maintained it can sneak deep into the house.

The right spot 

A sunny spot is the pre-requisite for planting wisteria. It might survive in partial sunlight but will never show its bloom. A rich well-drained soil is the next requirement though this plant loves moisture around but does not tolerate waterlogging. 

Support System 

Since wisteria grows aggressively it needs a sturdy support system to holds its weight especially when trailed over a pathway or a gazebo. A weak framework will collapse under the vine's own weight. 

Pruning

Pruning is the secret of getting a flowering on Wisteria. It blooms on new wood only therefore January - February is the right time for this region. Pruning is done with multiple objectives. Round the year pruning is a continuous activity to keep the vine in shape and form. Corrective pruning is done to remove those shoots which have died. Remove excessive vegetative growth, especially those which grow from the base.

Prune the shoot slightly above 2-4 flower buds and do not prune too close to the bud to damage it. The thicker shoots must be treated with a fungicide paste. Fungicide prevents die back, pathogen infection and help plant regenerate more effectively. Also remove the congestion of shoot, crossing each other and those which are too thin and leggy. Use sharp tools for a clean angled cut which prevent water to settle down and cause rot. The bloom appears 5-6 weeks after prunning.

Maintenance

Wisteria is not a heavy feeder, therefore add compost when new plants are planted and thereafter an annual dose of farm yard manure in winters is all that it needs. In the initial years regular weeding and hoeing is essential. Before spring, the time before bloom a dose of bone meal is highly effective. Nitrogenous fertilisers add to growth while phosphorus helps in better flowering. Deep irrigation once a week is preferred to shallow irrigation. In this region pest and diseases are not much reported but be vigilant.

When to plant

February- March and August-September are the appropriate time to plant new plants.  Make a pit 2ft x 2ft and mix it with well decomposed farm yard manure along DAP. Space it around 12- 15 ft apart.

Propagation

Wisteria can be grown from seed. These can be soaked for a day and then place half an inch deep in soil. It is also grown from its shoot cutting. A shoot is cut one inch on either side of its lateral shoot and plant in the potting mixture about one inch deep. Just keep 3-4 leaves and remove others to cut the transpiration rate and then cover it with a poly bag. Prefer buy a vegetative propagated plant which may flower in their second or third year while a seedling may take much longer a time to bloom with a uncertainty about the flower type and form.