Growing Wisteria in Pots
Wisteria offers so much ornamental value. This includes attractive, gnarled stems and stunning blooms with a delightful fragrance. However, they are aggressive vines that can easily outgrow the area you’ve allotted them. There are many species of wisteria. The most popular for gardens are Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), and silky wisteria (Wisteria brachybotrys). These species of wisteria are all vigorous. They can reach 30 feet (9 m.) tall with a spread of up to 60 feet (18 m.) when planted against a wall. One way to contain your wisteria is to start growing wisteria in pots. Container grown wisteria work well as free-standing plants with appropriate and regular pruning. You’ll have to read up about potted wisteria care before you begin.
How to Grow Wisteria in a Container
When you want to grow wisteria in a pot, start with a pot that is only a little larger than the one the plant came in. You’ll want to repot the container grown wisteria as it develops. In time you may need a large planter. Planting wisteria in a pot is easiest if you buy a single stem plant since it is easier to train to one trunk. Install a sturdy stake or stick about as tall as you are at the time of planting, then train the stem of the container grown wisteria to grow up it. Tie the stem to the support as it grows. When the stem arrives at the top of the support, remove the tip. The wisteria in a pot will now branch out in a rounded shape. Each winter, trim the shoots to about a foot long (31 cm.). In time, the container grown wisteria resembles a small tree. Likewise, you can grow and train your potted wisteria as a bonsai plant.
Potted Wisteria Care
Place your wisteria container in a full sun location for maximum blooms. You’ll need to check it regularly to make sure the potting soil doesn’t dry out. You’ll need to feed your wisteria in spring every year. Use a general-purpose fertilizer with a ratio such as 5-10-5.
