Friday, September 27, 2013

Wisteria

Wisteria is a beautiful plant. It has lovely purple blossoms in the spring, which hang like mist in the trees, and, as you can see here, the leaves are also attractive. Our wisteria is apparently turning yellow and brown for autumn.

The problem, of course, is that wisteria is so invasive. Once you've got it, it seems impossible to be rid of it, particularly if you (as we are) are against using herbicides; and it takes over everything. We've even got it growing in our eastern side garden, nowhere near where the original vine started. Equally bad is the fact that it's literally covering some of our beloved trees, no doubt doing severe damage, and likely to result in their deaths. 

But wisteria is its own fascination. Hardy and deciduous, there are five species, two of which are native to the US, according to Garden Guides (http://www.gardenguides.com/90057-wisteria-vine-damage.html). The flower clusters, which are fragrant, may be from six to eighteen inches in length. Chinese wisteria blooms all at once, whilst Japanese wisteria blooms over the course of two to three weeks. 

When planting wisteria, you must plan for its inevitable growth (wisteria can grow to the size of a tree and will do structural damage to your house if you do not plan properly). Instead of training it on a trellis -- which will work for only a few years of its life -- try erecting a sturdy pergola for it to climb upon. The pergola must be made to last, as wisteria can live for decades. Garden Guides also suggests training using posts and wire; however, you must be prepared for regular pruning. 

When kept in check, wisteria can be the delight of the garden (or wood; ours is wild). It was used in Victorian gardens, and is still popular to-day in spite of its downsides. 




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