Forum Topic

Wisteria trimmer recommendation

Hi we have some wisteria on our house that needs trimming back, does anyone have a gardener that they could recommend to do this? Thx

Robert Duncan ● 1954d12 Comments

I don't have anyone I'm afraid, but as a long-time wistaria custodian I can  tell you that the plant will put on vigorous growth all summer - if you're lucky it will also flower two or even three times. However the long, whippy new tendrils will also need cutting back on an almost constant basis if you want to stay on top of it so it's not a one-off job. It also needs hard pruning (back to about 2 or 3 buds) during the winter. Obviously accessibility can be a problem so it might be worth reducing it in size so that in future  you can do the job yourself. Good luck in your search.

Bruce Hammal ● 1954d

It is not difficult and you could watch a YouTube video.Last weekend I spent an afternoon trimming back a 100 year old one which was sprouting madly and also needed to cut right back all growth going behind downpipes or up into the roof.Wisteria needs trimming back twice a year and June/July is ideal.  Go slowly cutting back all the whippy shoots to 12 inches first, then cut back hard all those going where they should not.Wisteria is very forgiving if you make a mistake but it can be a thug if left to its own devices.The house on the corner of Bath Road/Rupert Road has the most beautiful one and the flowers this year where stunning.  The homeowner told me that it was so vigorous that it’s weight was pulling off the wall so it now has a very sturdy metal frame supporting it.

Elizabeth Ross ● 1954d

The wistaria at my last house (planted by us) came off the wall. I managed to get it back up and secured again but the weight was incredible! Proper framework is a very good idea.

Bruce Hammal ● 1954d

Thanks both but I am looking for someone that can professionally help, I can trim back over the summer but needs a good cut and waste disposal also. If anyone knows a good gardener /tree surgeon please let me know, thank you!

Robert Duncan ● 1954d

Ours is going bananas and keeping it from taking over the whole garden and house is an ongoing and almost daily job, it certainly is a right thug.

Vanessa Smith ● 1954d

We’ve gone for a wisteria tree. A lockdown purchase last year . Currently in a pot. A few flowers this year. Any advice gratefully received.it seems quite healthy.

Stewart Jones ● 1954d

Where did you get that Stewart if you don't mind me asking?My daughter wanted me to plant a wistaria (or wisteria, I never know) at the front of  her house but I talked her out of it principally because I didn't want the job of looking after it for the rest of my days. I did suggest having one in a large pot having grown a beautiful white one at my last house that I trained into a standard. However that was planted in the earth and I didn't know if there were varieties specifically for pots. I'd be interested to know what you found out.

Bruce Hammal ● 1954d

I love these.  We've had one on a wall at home all of my life so far... and a paeony and an old fashioned fuschia.  Some plants really last and become old friends as you watch them changing through the seasons year after year.

Philippa Bond ● 1954d

One that had to stay behind!

Bruce Hammal ● 1954d

Stunning!

Philippa Bond ● 1954d

Wheelers Garden Centre in TGT can do it and are experts.

Rima Jones ● 1953d

It was from gardeningexpress.co.uk. I will keep it in a pot for another year at least but I assume it will be better off in the ground but I don’t really know!It was bought during the first lockdown otherwise I would have gone to Wheelers as they are very helpful

Stewart Jones ● 1953d