The pruning of climbers/Wisteria isn’t as complicated as many fear. At Hislop & Co. we carry out a hard pruning of Wisteria over the Winter months, rewarding you with a show-stopping display of flowers later in Spring.

Moreover, we advise that Wisteria pruning is done twice a year. First a light trim in July or August and then a hard prune in January or February. During summer, the pruning involves shortening the long tendrils this fast-growing climber flings out, reducing to five or six leaves. The goal is to rein in its vigour as Wisteria has a habit of getting out of control and heading behind guttering and downpipes, or into roof spaces. Also, we try to concentrate the plant’s efforts on flowering rather than producing leafy growth.

Our Winter pruning (normally in January or February) further concentrates the plant’s effort into building up flower-bearing spurs. We prune this time of the year because the plant is dormant and leafless, making it easier to see. All that is required this time of year is to work over the climber, cutting back the same growths further. This time to two or three buds. The result will be a climber covered with stumpy little spurs, all bearing buds that will burst into flower in late Spring. This hard pruning also ensures the flowers won’t be obscured by a tangle of leafy branches.

Additionally, on older plants, more severe pruning might be needed. This is if there is old or dead growth, or branches getting in the way of doors or windows. We advise to always cut stems back to a main branch, pruning just above a strong young shoot lower down. Any new stems can then be tied to fill gaps if necessary.

If you require some Winter pruning of climbers/Wisteria then please get in touch today. You can either contact us directly or fill out the form below.