Wisteria frutescens 'Longwood Purple'

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser

Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Summer - mid · Planting

Prune in summer

As well as winter pruning, on young plants tie in growth to a framework and prune sideshoots back to 15cm. When it has filled the allotted space, tie in growth and cut growth back to 15cm of the major branches on your framework, leaving five to six buds.

Winter - mid · Planting

Prune in winter

Train along horizontal wires on each side of the plant, tie shoots onto wires until the area is filled after a few years. Annually reduce shoots a little to buds. Cut out weak growth. Contain side shoots to 15cm. When mature prune to contain the plant.

Wisteria is a major investment. They don't usually flower for quite a few years, so it is worth obtaining leaflets or literature that give very detailed pruning instructions and which give guidance on pruning to different shapes.