Wisterias

[dragonrouge]

Please has anyone had any experience of growing wisterias as a specimen plant in a pot. We have a courtyard garden so just cannot plant in the ground. (it used to be a parking area for coaches and please do not ask!)

thanks

[Gardian]

We have one in a large (57cm diam) terracotta pot.  It's 3 yrs old now, about 4m high, with a 4m spread.  I prune it in the Spring, leaving the main branches intact and cutting side shoots back to the 2nd or 3rd bud.  Needs plenty of water though - at least 10 litres / day.

It hasn't flowered yet, but that's not unusual with wisteria: whether that's because it's potted, I don't know. 

[Gardengirl]

No idea about in France. But in my 'RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening' the section on climbers says: 'It is possible to grow more rampant climbers such as Wisteria species. Their growth will be checked, but severe pruning will be required. Regular repotting will also be needed to keep them healthy.'

Gardian's pruning sounds good, also the amount of water; they need lots in pots in the south of England, so much more in France. Training the main stems horizontally instead of vertically apparently improves flowering.

Jo

[dragonrouge]

Thanks and I am now going to buy myself one as a birthday present for yesterday when I reached the dreaded 65.

thanks once more

[Gardengirl]

What a lovely present to yourself! Congratulations on reaching 65; I will match you in 3 weeks!

Jo