READY FOR NEXT YEAR: It’s time to whip out the ‘whippy bits’ on your wisteria to encourage more flowers in the spring (Image: Getty)
Autumn is the ideal time to get ahead with your gardening, especially when it comes to setting up your plants for a vibrant spring. Wisteria, a striking climbing plant known for its cascading mauve or white flowers, is one to pay special attention to during this season.
Gardening expert Ish recently shared his beginner-friendly guide to caring for wisteria in autumn. The goal is to encourage even more spectacular blooms in the spring.
He explained: “Help your wisteria bloom next year with smart late summer and early autumn care. Today’s tips are perfect for beginner gardeners and cover pruning, tying, and mulching to keep your plant happy over winter — so it rewards you with flowers in spring.”
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As summer winds down and autumn sets in, it’s the perfect opportunity to prune any established wisteria in your garden. For younger plants, late summer to early autumn pruning helps reinforce their structural support and overall shape.
According to Gardeners’ World, this process involves:
Removing low-growing or weak branchesTraining in strong side shootsCutting back side shoots to about five buds
While pruning can also be done in winter, taking action now encourages stronger flowering next year.
Ish advises trimming back any “whippy bits” – those thin, fast-growing shoots – as they’re less likely to survive the cold. Leave two or three nodes at the end of each pruned shoot to encourage vigorous regrowth in spring.
Another valuable autumn task is mulching. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the wisteria helps protect it through winter – not so much from the cold, but from moisture loss.
@gardening.with.ish Get your Wisteria to flower next year with clever late summer and early autumn plant care. Todays gardening tips for beginner gardeners will show you how to prepare your wisteria with pruning, tying and mulching to keep it happy over winter for a successful wisteria flower in spring next year. #gardeningtips #gardeningforbeginners #wisteria #planttips #gardeningideas ♬ original sound – Gardening with Ish 🇬🇧
“Most people assume mulch is just for insulation,” Ish said, “but wisteria is actually quite hardy. The real benefit is in retaining moisture. Many people forget to water their plants in autumn, but this is when drying out is most likely, especially with chilly winds picking up.”
The Express reports that you can use a layer of multipurpose compost or shredded leaves around the base of the plant to lock in moisture and support healthy roots. Lastly, there’s no need to feed your wisteria during autumn or winter. Ish recommends waiting until spring.
Once you see signs of new growth, apply a slow-release fertiliser to support flowering. With a little thoughtful pruning and seasonal care now, your wisteria will be well on its way to delivering a spectacular floral display next spring.
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