16 June 2018 - Taboo Foliage

Time to Prune Non Blooming Wisteria Vines

"Wisterias sometimes develop luxuriant foliage - with nary a blossom. Young vines are prone to this deplorable failing. So what to do?"

I had no idea that non blossoming vines were so taboo.

Well we can't have this now can we.

What is even a Wisteria Vine and what can I do to make sure it behaves?

These vines are actually really pretty.

When they bloom, they look like this!

These plants are very hardy and can grow in sub par conditions but they will thrive in full sun.

If you try to grow a Wisteria from seed, it can be decades before you see a bloom.

They need support to grow.

So letting them crawl up the side of a structure, on poles, or even on trees is best for them.

BUT

You have to be very careful.

These vines are really strong and can collapse the structures they grow on.

So letting them get out of hand on your home can cause damage to gutters, walls, and the roof.

They can even strangle trees.

Terrifying.

The buds grow near the base of the previous years growth so you need to trim back the shoots to see anything. This should be done in early spring if you have any hope to see some blooms.

Now I know what you are thinking.

Can I eat this flower?

Since we have covered eating flowers and making wine from them, it is only natural you would ask this question, and it is my duty to answer you!

That answer is....

You should consult a professional!

Some Wisterias are edible but some strains are toxic.

There are a variety of flowers in this little plant family so be sure not to eat anything from them unless you are told that it is ok.