Growing and caring for wisteria outdoors, the best varieties

Gardeners consider it important to select plants in their garden in such a way that flowering will continue throughout the season, without interruption. Wisteria can be a real gift, the proper cultivation and care of which will certainly be rewarded with early flowering in the middle of spring. At this time, the plant surprises with a beautiful sight of flowers falling in the form of brushes and their sweet aroma.

Plant characteristics

Wisteria is a climbing vine, a perennial leguminous plant. In the first year of life, its shoots are smooth, and even after a year they become woody, covered with a brown corrugated bark. Up to the liana can rise to a height of 20 m.

On the young shoots of wisteria, dark green leaves of an odd pinnate appearance bloom, consisting of several oval segments with pointed ends. Their length can reach 30 cm. At first, the leaves are covered with hairs, then they become smooth.

Flowers, similar to moths, are collected in long beautiful brushes in the form of a garland. Three times a season, starting in May, wisteria can surprise with powerful flowering.

Rules for planting and care in the open field

Wisteria prefers to grow in subtropical conditions. It is possible to grow it in latitudes north of the Caucasus, Stavropol Territory, Crimea, but it will not work to achieve abundant flowering. For the middle lane, breeders selected frost-resistant varieties intended for a temperate climate.

Time recommendations

Most often, wisteria is grown from ready-made seedlings, which are determined for a permanent place in the open ground in the spring, when the frost ends. Although most perennial vine varieties are winter hardy, you shouldn't risk young plants.

Site selection and preparation

For planting wisteria, a place is carefully chosen, since it has been determined there for many years. It should be illuminated by the sun, protected from drafts. Fertile, well-drained, slightly alkaline, nutrient-rich soil promotes long-term flowering of wisteria.Before planting, the soil is carefully dug up, weeds are removed, mineral fertilizers are added and holes for seedlings are prepared.

Landing scheme

After the soil for planting wisteria is prepared, the plant is planted according to the scheme:

1. Dig holes 70 cm x 70 cm x 60 cm.
2. Drainage is laid at the bottom.
3. Pour soil with mineral fertilizers into the pit.
4. Set the seedling strictly vertically.
5. Voids are filled so that the growing point remains above the soil surface.
6. Pour with decanted lukewarm water.
7. The trunk circle is mulched with peat or grass.

When planting wisteria, it is worth leaving a gap between it, support or other plants of at least 30 cm.

watering mode

Wisteria prefers moderate irrigation. Feels bad both in waterlogged and too dry soil. It is enough to water the plants once every 7 days in a volume of 10 liters under a bush. Additional moisture is needed during the budding period so that future flowers do not fall off. From autumn, watering is reduced.

Spray

Watering wisteria can be alternated with spraying its crown. To prevent the roots from rotting due to standing water, in hot weather, a light spraying of the foliage can be carried out instead of increased moistening of the root system.

top dresser

To maintain flowering, wisteria is fed weekly. Complex fertilizers and organic matter help restore vigor to the vine, which can increase its length by three meters per season.

Experts recommend once a year to pour glycine with a solution of chalk (0.15 kg per 10 liters of warm water).

Size

It takes about three years for the main branches of the wisteria to form.After the formation of the "skeleton", the excess shoots are cut off every year so that the side shoots develop, where the flower buds form. In order to rejuvenate the vines, it is recommended to remove a vine shoot every year, sending a new young one to replace it.

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Summer

The main shoot of wisteria in the summer of the first year is cut into a highly developed bud, and the lateral ones are short. In the second year of life, the main shoot of the vine is again pinched, and the side branches are shortened to the length of the main stem. A year later, in the summer, the shoots are cut by a third so that the crown becomes denser, and the lower shoots are completely removed.

Winter

In winter, the main and other shoots that grew after summer pruning are shortened. Previously cut branches are shortened by a third. The side shoots are cut into three buds. In the second and third years, winter pruning is carried out in the same way.

Prepare for winter

Wisteria shelter for the winter begins with the onset of the first frosts. Its roots are carefully potato, insulated with mulching, the liana is removed from the support, laid on shields, covered with spruce branches, dry foliage or straw, and topped with covering material. In winter with little snow, they are additionally covered with agrofiber.

Freezing shoots does not cause much harm to wisteria, because with the onset of spring they are shortened.

Flowering characteristics

For the first time, wisteria blooms at the age of three. The first buds appear in May.They are collected in large inflorescences up to 35 cm long. In the southern regions, flowering can be repeated up to three times. So that the plant does not lose its strength in the formation of fruits, it is recommended to remove faded flowers.

the reproduction

Glycine can be spread in several ways:

• sowing seeds;
• lignified cuttings;
• horizontal layering.

Each of the methods is not complicated, it is available for independent use by any florist.

from the seed

To grow wisteria from seeds, sowing is carried out in boxes in winter. A soil mixture is used, consisting of three components:

• rotten foliage - 4 parts;
• sand - 1 part;
• grass field - 1 part.

The seeds are laid out on the moistened surface of the soil mixture, sprinkled with sand, covered with foil or glass and placed in a dark warm place (20 ° C). After 5-6 weeks, the seedlings that appear are brought out to the light and slightly shaded. At the stage of two true leaves, they dive. Such plants are often used to graft varietal wisteria into them, since vines grown from seeds often do not retain their varietal properties.

Cuttings

Lignified cuttings about 7 cm long with 2-3 developed buds are cut in the fall, after the leaves from the middle part of the shoots fall. They are placed for the winter in a moist substrate and kept at a temperature of +3 ⁰С. In spring, cuttings are planted in containers to a depth of 4 cm, in autumn they are transplanted into pots for cultivation. After a year, the vines are planted in a permanent place.

Layers

This method is the simplest. All the varietal qualities of wisteria are preserved when diluted with horizontal layers.For this purpose, in the spring, a small trench is made near the creeper, filled with fertile soil. Last year's shoots are bent and pinned to the ground. The apex is attached vertically to the support. After a year and a half, the rooted layers are separated and planted in a permanent place.

Grow as a standard tree in the garden

Wisteria is easy to shape by pruning, simulating different types of vines. If it is necessary to make a standard tree, then one trunk remains, cutting off other shoots. After reaching the optimum height, they begin to form a crown. If you take care of the tree correctly, then with proper pruning, after three years a flowering tree will appear on the site, grown on a trunk.

Diseases and pests

Wisteria is not often sick and is affected by pests. But in adverse climatic conditions or in non-compliance with agricultural technology, infection with fungal and viral infections can occur, the liana is attacked by harmful insects.

Aphid

A sign that the plant has been attacked by aphids is the deformation of the shoots. The abundance of flies near the vine may be associated with the release of honeydew by aphids after eating the buds and juice. The insect can be destroyed with the help of insecticides, the treatment of which is carried out twice according to the instructions - after the detection of pests and again after 10 days.

Winders

The caterpillars of a leafworm butterfly are able to gnaw the passages in the buds, buds and young leaves are rolled up into tubes. You can identify the pest by the cobweb in a folded sheet. The leafworm is collected by hand or the liana is treated with chemical means ("Decis", "Karate").

cochineal

The insect is very dangerous for wisteria, as it multiplies rapidly, spreads, sucks juice from the foliage and destroys the plant. Due to the slow movement of scale insects, it is difficult not to notice it, the white color of the pests stands out well against the background of the foliage. To destroy them, insecticides are used.

japanese beetle

It is not difficult to identify the damage left by a Japanese beetle or beetle. He completely eats the leaves, leaving only the skeleton in the form of veins, gnaws the passages inside the vines, disrupting the supply of water and nutrients to the plant. Pesticides are considered effective means of pest control.

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fungal infections

Too dense plantings, stagnant water on the site, waterlogging of the soil can lead to the appearance of fungal diseases:

• powdery mildew - white bloom on the leaves and shoots of the plant;
• rust - brown spots.

When first detecting signs of fungal infections on wisteria, they are treated with a fungicide, repeating it after a week.

Root rot

You can only find root rot by digging up the bush and examining the roots. First it infects the root system, a little later the underground shoots. Stagnation of water, excessive watering, strong temperature changes can provoke the disease. It is quite difficult to treat pathology. It is necessary to dig up a bush, remove diseased roots and lower the rest in a solution of fungicide for a couple of hours.

Soil bacteria Rhizobium radobacter

A bacterium that attacks wisteria can cause growths on shoots and roots.The formation of tumors on any part of the plant caused by the bacterium rhizobium radobacter, scientists explain the transformation of cells, their uncontrolled reproduction and growth.

Wisteria mosaic virus

This virus is a type of tobacco mosaic virus. It settles in the tissues of the wisteria, multiplies rapidly and can lead to the death of the vine, as it disrupts the process of photosynthesis. Treatment is carried out with fungicides, and at the advanced stage of the disease the plant must be removed.

Clover Mosaic Subterranean Virus

This virus can inhibit the growth of glycine. Carried by aphids, it leads to plant dwarfism.

clover mite

If the leaves of the wisteria lose their usual color and turn bronze, it means that the plant has been affected by a dangerous pest, the clover mite. These small arachnids first have a green tint and then turn brown. Due to their activity, stripes and spots appear on the leaves, then they curl and dry out. You can exterminate clover mites with an insecticide solution by spraying twice at weekly intervals.

Chlorosis

On heavy clay soils or rich in limestone, wisteria can be affected by chlorosis. As a result of the disease, the foliage first becomes pale, and then acquires a yellow tint. The plant can be cured with the help of iron salts, which are given with the feed.

Varieties

There are nine types of wisteria, differing in the shade of flowers, the shape of the crown and the peculiarities of agricultural technology.

Chinese

One of the most popular species with flowers of different shades - from white to purple. The foliage is dense, long, dense. Flowering begins in May. With good care, it can be repeated in early fall.The vines reach a height of 25 meters.

Abundant flowering

Its height is lower than the Chinese (about 10 meters). The leaves are large, complex, consisting of 19 leaves. The flowers are small, blue, the buds bloom alternately. The abundant wisteria is frost resistant (down to -24 ). The inflorescences and fruits look very impressive.

Shrub

The height of the liana reaches 15 m. The stems are powerful, heavy. It blooms, from May, in small, aromaless inflorescences for about 4 weeks. At the end of flowering, pods with seeds appear. The leaves have up to 15 segments and bloom together with the flowers.

Rude

This species is native to North America. Flower brushes can be up to one and a half meters in length. The growth of the vine is 12 meters. Differs in high winter hardiness.

Frost resistant

Varieties of wisteria that can withstand frosts down to -40°C were bred in the United States, from where they were imported to the Russian Federation. The maximum height of an ornamental shrub is 7-8 meters. Varieties have a highly developed root system.

Silky

A type of wisteria with short inflorescences (15 cm), small height (about 5 meters) and a strong aroma. Liana blooms in late spring with purple inflorescences with a white spot. Silky wisteria is suitable for decorating walls and gazebos.

Japanese

Fragrant flowers first appear on the liana (in April), then on the foliage. Plant height up to 20 meters. The seasonal growth of shoots is 20 cm.

Popular varieties

Each type of wisteria has several varieties, among which it is easy to find one suitable for the climatic conditions of the region and satisfying the preferences of the gardener.

sapphire blue

Wisteria Blue Sapphire belongs to the type of Chinese creepers.Flowering end of May-June. Its height is 15 meters. Cultivation is possible in the middle lane and southern regions. For the winter, it must be removed from the support and covered.

Alba

The variety is classified as abundant. A powerful plant capable of climbing to a height of 19 meters, has a width of up to 6 meters. Alba wisteria can grow up to 3 meters per year. White flowers in the form of large brushes (up to 50 cm) exude a strong pleasant smell. The fruits are poisonous pods.

Prolific

The variety belongs to the Chinese wisteria species. A tree up to 6 meters high, the branches of which end in thin vines. It blooms twice - in May and September, with purple buds. Need support.

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black Dragon

The variety belongs to the profusely flowering wisteria species intended for southern latitudes. Tall vines (up to 10 meters) twist counterclockwise on the support. Vigorous flowering, beginning in June.

pink ice cream

Wisteria Pink Ice reaches 15 meters in height, has flowering clusters of pink shades without aroma. The vine does not require pruning and the tuberous roots must be limited so that the plant does not invade new territories.

The tubers are edible. They taste like potatoes.

Perfect outcome

The liana with dense foliage, with light lavender flowers, belongs to the Chinese species of wisteria. It begins to bloom in July. Used for the arrangement of pergolas, gazebos. The fruit is a densely pubescent pod.

Macrobotrys

A very decorative and popular variety of Japanese wisteria in the form of a vine that can reach 8 meters. The leaves are long, the flower clusters are fragrant, bloom gradually, starting from the base.Their color is purple.

Praecox

The deciduous wisteria Wisteria praecox Hand often has white flowers and vines up to 2 meters long. Flowering lasts from March to August.

Blue Moon

The strain can be grown in pots or outdoors. Blue Moon wisteria flowers in shades of blue resemble medium-sized garlands. Spring frosts are easily tolerated.

Why doesn't it bloom

Possible reasons for the lack of flowering of wisteria can be:

• the liana is grown by the seed method;
• too radical pruning of the climbing plant;
• excess nitrogen in the soil;
• lack of sufficient sunlight.

Garden design combinations

The appearance of the wisteria is very impressive. It looks great in individual and group plantings. Other flowering garden plants can highlight the beauty and uniqueness of the vine.

tulips

Flowering dates for wisteria and tulips are the same. The composition of a large number of red buds against the background of a green lawn is set off by the delicate colors of wisteria. Natural stone elements, a wrought iron fence or a support for climbing plants can be a good addition.

daffodils

White and yellow daffodils can be placed in flowerpots under wisteria vines in early spring. containers, jars. After flowering, they look slightly sloppy. By removing containers, you can avoid the unattractiveness of daffodils.

hyacinths

These bulbs are classified as primroses. Combined with tulips and daffodils, they create the perfect wisteria backdrop. Dark purple hyacinths are particularly impressive, having a brighter hue than the blue brushes that bloom on the vines.

muscari

For a combination with wisteria, you can choose muscari in all shades of blue. They are planted in the standard forms of plants, in the circle close to the stem.

Imperial hazel grouse

Different heights of flowers, from 10 cm to 120 cm, allow the hazel grouse to be used both in individual plantations and in the shade of wisteria. They look great at the entrance to the gazebo, near the reservoir, in the rockery.

Hibiscus

The plant looks great in a shrub border next to a low-growing wisteria. It is worth supplementing the composition with conifers.

Purslane

Due to the fact that purslane has a rich color palette, it is customary to decorate the space with it near the paths. As the lower tier below the falling wisteria brushes, they look very advantageous.

Platycodon grandiflorum

The plant is decorative not only during flowering, but also in autumn due to its beautiful foliage. For stony soils under wisteria, dwarf varieties of Platycodon are chosen, which are planted with conifers.

Daylilies

Daylilies are considered a versatile plant for landscaping. It is unpretentious, has many shades, blooms for a long time. Daylilies in contrasting colors, planted in small and large groups, pair well with wisteria.

Features of cultivation at home

Indoor wisteria is grown in a clay pot, transplanted into a larger container every year. Drainage should be placed at the bottom, sand should be poured, and fertile soil should be above. After planting, the wisteria is placed in a dark place. As soon as it takes root, it is brought to light. In the spring, it is necessary to prune to form the crown. Watering should be uniform and systematic.During the flowering period, the plant is fed with complex fertilizers.

Common Mistakes

When growing glycine, a number of mistakes should be avoided:

• do not propagate the plant by seeds, so as not to lose the varietal qualities of the vine;
• do not apply nitrogen fertilizers during the period of bud break, so as not to provoke the growth of green mass instead of flowering;
• do not choose a shady spot with heavy clay soil for planting.

Additional tips and tricks

Despite the beauty of the liana, in southern latitudes it is not customary to plant it near the wall of the house. If the wisteria develops well and grows quickly, its shoots have such force that it can lift the roof, damage drainage systems, crush grids and fences. It is better to plant a liana near a special support, where it cannot damage buildings and is aesthetically pleasing.