The Wisteria is a strong, fast growing deciduous vine, well-known for its beautiful flowers.
For bonsai the most common species are the Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and
the Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) which produces the longest flower clusters.
So how do you care for your Wisteria? The wisteria should be placed in full sun
during the growing season. Sunlight is essential for flowering. Wisterias are frost hardy when they
are growing in the ground, but the roots need protection when they are planted in containers.
A cold but frost-free greenhouse, garage or shed is a good place for a wisteria in winter.
The wisteria needs enormous amounts of water during the growing season.
In summer it is a good idea to place the bonsai pot in a shallow bowl which is filled up with
water each time the tree is watered. In autumn and winter keep the roots moist but not soaking
Apply solid organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
The wisteria grows strongly and likes to be fed well,
but use fertilizers which are not too high in nitrogen
Hard pruning is best done in early spring or after flowering.
Let the tendrils grow until July and then cut them back.
After the leaves have fallen you can prune the branches and twigs and wire the branch structure
Repot younger wisterias every two years and older ones every three to five years
in spring before the buds open.
Wisterias are easily propagated from seed.
Cuttings, air-layers and grafts are also possible.
Seedlings will not flower before they are 10 – 15 years old
If your Wisteria is losing a lot of leaves, this is often the result of
improper watering or not enough light.
Again, make sure you place your Bonsai outdoors with plenty of light.
And water it generously as soon as the soil gets slightly dry.
Learn how to create your own bonsai trees by enrolling in one of our online Bonsai courses.
We explain techniques like pruning, wiring, and repotting, and you can ask questions to the teachers.
For the curriculums, and free lessons go to: www.bonsaiempire.com/courses