Purple Wisteria Vine

1. Planting: The ideal spot for planting Wisteria should be a sunny area with fertile, moist, well-draining soil. Wisteria thrives in almost any soil type as long as it is well-draining and receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Dig a hole that is three times as wide as the root ball and just as deep (if planting more than one, space the plants 10-15 feet apart). Gently hold the plant while making sure it's vertical in the hole and backfill the hole with your other hand, working the soil around the roots to avoid air pockets.

Wisteria may require staking while it becomes established. If you do this, drive your stake 6 to 12 inches down. Secure the tree with planter's tape every 8 inches.

2. Watering: During your first year, the Wisteria will benefit from regular watering while the roots become established. An inch of rainfall per week is recommended. A slow trickling from the hose works best so the soil can absorb water, but the natural rainfall in your area should be sufficient for your Wisteria.

3. Fertilizing: Your Wisteria will require little fertilizing. If you have poor or sandy soil, consider using a small amount of fertilizer like formula 5-10-10 or 5-10-5. Feed your wisteria about 3/4 cup per square yard each year during the spring.

4. Pruning: Wisteria needs to be pruned twice a year, typically once in late winter and again in mid-summer. Winter pruning is to prepare the flowering spurs for the upcoming season. Summer pruning keeps the long, whip-like shoots under control encouraging them to become flowering spurs.