Should Wisteria Be Cut Back?

Pruning Wisteria
Pruning is the secret to good flowering, as wisteria only bloom on new wood. Prune wisteria in late winter. Remove at least half of the prior year's growth, leaving just a few buds per stem. If you want a more formal appearance, also prune in summer after traditional flowering.

How do you prune wisteria for the winter?

Cut them back to five or six leaves from the main branch, making the cut just above that leaf. Winter pruning: Long, whippy shoots that grew after the summer pruning should also be pruned. Cut these back to five or six buds from the main branch, making the cut just above a bud.

When should you cut back wisteria?

Wisteria pruning is done twice a year, first in July or August and then in January or February. During summer, the pruning involves shortening the long, whippy tendrils this fast-growing climber flings out, cutting them back to five or six leaves.

Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.