Even if the wisteria looks exotic and its magnificent flowers are reminiscent of a summer vacation, it is a hardy climbing plant. This applies at least to the older copies. A young wisteria, on the other hand, is still quite sensitive.
Is wisteria hardy?
Wisteria is generally hardy, especially older specimens. The roots of young plants and potted plants should be protected from frost, for example by wrapping the planter. Water sparingly on frost-free days and protect young shoots and flowers from late frosts.
How do I overwinter potted and young plants?
It is best to overwinter a wisteria in a pot or a very young wisteria in a cool place and not too dark. A cold greenhouse or an unheated winter garden are well suited for this. There may well be temperatures around freezing point, because wisteria is generally hardy. In a mild area you can also overwinter it outside.
It is important that the roots of your wisteria do not freeze, otherwise the plant will die. Therefore, the root ball should be protected from frost in a harsh area. You can achieve this, for example, by wrapping the planter on all sides (including the bottom!) with an old blanket, plant fleece (€10.00 on Amazon) or jute bags. You can protect the above-ground parts of the plant from frostbite with a layer of leaves, brushwood or bark mulch or with bubble wrap.
How do I care for my wisteria in winter?
Even in winter, your wisteria needs water, but only in small amounts. The soil should not dry out completely. Depending on the prevailing temperature, the amount of water required varies. But only water on frost-free days. In winter quarters, your wisteria needs a little more water. However, you should avoid fertilizer.
How do I treat frost damage to my wisteria?
If you discover some frozen shoots on your wisteria in spring, then cut them generously down to the he althy wood. Within a short time the plant will sprout there again. You can also easily remove frozen flowers and buds. However, the wisteria will not bloom on these shoots in the coming season.
The most important winter tips for wisteria:
- sensitive in the first few years
- well tolerates frost in old age
- Overwinter young and potted plants frost-free
- young shoots and flower buds very sensitive to frost, protect from late frosts
- cut off frozen shoots, the plant usually recovers quite well
Tip
If individual shoots on your older wisteria freeze, you can cut them off without worry, the plant will recover quite quickly.
