Hi everyone! I've just started my gardening journey and have a big front yard where I'm considering planting a wisteria tree. I've noticed a lot of mixed opinions about wisteria. I live in zone 7 and I've seen that some people really love them, as the nursery I visited sold out of their last one this week. I'm aware that wisteria can be invasive, but I plan to plant it in a free-standing position away from another tree.
I'm curious about how long I need to provide support for it after planting. Does it grow a traditional trunk, or will it always need that support? I've looked at some pictures, but it's tough to tell. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
If you go with a native variety, you'll have a better experience! You'll definitely need to stake it right away to help it grow a strong trunk. You're essentially training a vine to grow like a tree, which is doable, but be prepared for regular pruning and maintenance throughout its life.
I've heard plenty about wisteria, and it's not all bad! I think some of the 'hate' comes from people's personal experiences. If you neglect them, they can become quite overwhelming because they grow aggressively and can live for decades. Just keep that in mind as you plan your garden!
There's a native North American wisteria that’s a better choice if you're on the East side of the Rockies. Just keep in mind that they can take a lot of work to manage. Are you ready to put in the effort to keep it looking like a tree rather than letting it go crazy? It's such a beautiful plant, but it demands attention!