Gardening expert's 'one rule' for pruning wisteria to ensure it blooms beautifully
Wisteria, with its enchanting purple blossoms, is a climbing plant that requires meticulous pruning. This cottage- garden favourite is renowned for its vigorous and sprawling root systems, which can extend both deep and wide.
When left unchecked, the roots will hunt for any available gaps or fissures in foundations to infiltrate and potentially trigger structural harm. However, trimming wisteria is crucial not only to manage the plant's strength but also for gardeners hoping to boost its flowering potential.
Most people understand they need to cut back wisteria in August when the blooms are at their finest, but they can make the error of trimming too extensively, reports the Express.
This will rob the vine of more spectacular flowers, though it's easily avoided by adhering to one simple rule, according to National Greenhouse's indoor gardening expert, Tom Hilton.
He revealed that the perfect length for wisteria pruning is five buds, emphasising how vital proper cutting is.
Tom told enthusiastic gardeners: "After your plant has begun to flower, around July or August time, it's time to break out your clippers and get to your garden."
The gardening specialist added: "Pruning around five buds is a great amount, as it leaves plenty to continue growing while encouraging flower growth, rather than a continued expansion of the plant itself.
"It's also the best way to keep your plant in check, not just to prevent it from overgrowing, but also to keep it looking tidy and presentable."
Trimming wisteria isn't just about encouraging new growth; it significantly impacts the plant's overall structure too.
Annelise Brilli, from the horticultural team at Thompson and Morgan, explained: "Without pruning, wisteria will grow into a huge, tangled vine composed mainly of very long stems clothed with leaves.
"Pruning controls these highly vigorous climbers, concentrating growth into a permanent woody framework covered in masses of short side shoots which will be crowded with flowering buds."
Nevertheless, she warned against following the five-bud rule too rigidly, stressing that it's typically equivalent to roughly 20cm, which might be a more reliable measurement for shorter shoots.
These are less vigorous shoots that naturally become woody and develop plenty of flower buds on their own.
Regarding the ideal timing for pruning wisteria, Tom recommended gardeners wait until peak blooming season before beginning to cut.
He explained that August represents the perfect moment to prune wisteria since it effectively signals the conclusion of the flowering period and a natural break in the growth cycle to provide the plant with a "refresh" ahead of new growth emerging.
The National Greenhouse gardening specialist noted that pruning enables you to direct new bud growth along your desired route, preventing them from potentially overwhelming your garden or house exterior.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
My orchids died all the time—now I follow 5 rules so my plant flowers repeatedly
I've always loved orchids, but I admit they're not the easiest houseplants to look after. I've had three orchids in total, and I was determined to get my care routine right to ensure my current one survives I'm a huge admirer of orchids, but I'll be the first to admit they're not the easiest houseplants to care for. I've had three orchids in total, and only one has survived. Luckily, the remaining orchid is thriving and even manages to produce beautiful white flowers thrice a year. The type of orchid I have is a phalaenopsis, also known as a moth orchid, which boasts long-lasting blooms. These orchids are typically available in large supermarkets and garden centres for as little as £15, according to the Express. I love this variety of orchid because it can bloom at any time of the year, meaning I often get a burst of new blooms at the most unexpected times. However, having lost two other orchids, I've realised that there are certain tasks I must do to ensure my orchid thrives and blooms all year round. How to make your orchid bloom 1. Don't overwater When it comes to orchids, less is more. If you water your orchid too frequently, the roots can become overly damp and start to rot. Signs of root rot include black or mushy roots, wilting leaves and an unpleasant smell coming from the pot. Most experts recommend watering your orchid every seven to 10 days, but in autumn and winter, I actually only water my orchid once every fortnight. In the warmer months, I aim to water my orchid once a week. The plant's roots usually indicate if it needs water. Grey roots suggest it's time for water, and green roots mean it's had enough. 2. Feed orchids in spring I only tend to my orchids in the spring and occasionally in the autumn months. Feeding your orchid will encourage it to grow and bloom. However, it's vital you don't overfeed it. One of my previous orchids died because I fed it too frequently. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), feeding your orchid every time you water it can lead to a build-up of harmful salts, which need flushing out with water. I use Baby Bio Orchid food, which is available at Sainsbury's and most local garden centres. Typically, I add between five and 10 drops to my small houseplant watering can once a month. 3. Prune spent stems Mastering how to prune orchids hasn't been straightforward; these plants grow so slowly that cutting off stems feels counterproductive. However, correct pruning ensures the plant produces flowering shoots. Once my orchid's flowers die, I cut off the stalk just above the second joint beneath the old flowers. Sometimes, the entire stem dies and turns brown and dry. In such cases, I cut off the stem at the base, as nothing new will sprout from this. I also remove spent blooms when they don't fall by themselves. 4. Position it correctly Orchids prefer bright indirect light, so finding a position that suits them throughout the year can be challenging. Most people will find they have to relocate their orchid twice a year, so they don't end up getting scorched in the summer or not receiving enough light in the winter. However, I've found a spot for mine where it enjoys bright, indirect light all year round. It's tucked against a wall slightly behind a larger pot, facing a south-facing window. My skylights also allow natural light to flood into the room throughout the year. Despite finding the perfect spot for my current orchid, one of my previous ones didn't survive a particularly blistering summer. The plant was positioned on a coffee table facing a south-facing window. This was ideal during the winter months, but when summer arrived, the leaves of the plant scorched and eventually, the orchid died. The RHS recommends that moth orchids should be placed in bright light; east- or west-facing windowsills are perfect. They shouldn't be placed near radiators or heaters or exposed to draughts as they dislike fluctuating temperatures. 5. Be patient Patience is one of the most vital lessons I've learned when dealing with orchids. Orchids grow at a slow pace and need a gentle touch to keep them happy. Aggressive pruning, overwatering, overfeeding and frequently moving them around your home will only distress them.
Telegraph
15 hours ago
- Telegraph
Ask the head gardener: My garden lacks colour this time of year. What can I plant?
Dear Tom, My garden lacks colour at this time of year. Do you have any suggestions on what I can plant so that I can have colour all year round? – Ruth, Sussex Dear Ruth, Although it's been an incredibly challenging year, August is a fantastic time to review your garden. More often than not we're disappointed with the lack of colour in a month when we are in the garden the most, and regularly entertaining friends and family. But in August most plants are at their maximum height, and you can see everything at its fullest, making it the ideal moment to take stock of the whole garden (perhaps with a drink in hand). Beds and borders can be very tricky to get right with the height and balance that you want. As you look up and down your borders, ask yourself a few questions: Are there any gaps that need filling with new plants or divisions? Are there any plants that are taking over and need reducing in size, or removing completely? Are there elements of repetition through your garden; and if not, can you introduce any? Is there a particular time of year when your garden lacks colour? Could you introduce bulbs or perennials to give you that colour, and if so, where would you put them? Are there any areas where you'd like to create new borders, or are some full of perennial weeds or very tired plants that could be removed? Make notes and take photos as you wander; these will be invaluable in the autumn and spring when it comes to making these changes, as I guarantee that you will have forgotten your ideas by then. I've found it infuriating in the spring when I've come to lift and divide plants, having not taken notes or photos, only to unearth a load of bulbs or a perennial that I'd forgotten was there. I've always been an advocate for spring planting because you can see that you have a viable plant, and it has the growing season to establish before its first winter. However, given the weather we've been having, I do start to question all the rules and practices that I'd abided by over many years. In fact, by planting in the autumn, the winter rainfall will help plants establish when the soil still has a degree of warmth in it. If we had planted several perennials and shrubs in the late spring of this year, it wouldn't have been very long before they were under very stressful conditions. Every garden is different, as is every gardener, but it's certainly worth considering an autumn planting in case we have a similar hot and dry summer next year. Here are a few suggestions for colour plants to introduce, including bulbs, perennials, shrubs and roses that flower through the seasons:
Times
a day ago
- Times
Train operator introduces onboard therapy dog for passengers
One of the country's least punctual train operators is using a therapy dog to cheer up passengers and staff. TransPennine Express (TPE) has become the first operator to take a designated animal on journeys to improve the wellbeing of its customers. Nya, a six-year-old German shepherd, is owned and trained by a member of staff, but has been certified as a therapy dog by the charity Pets as Therapy. The train operator, which has been owned by the government since 2023, was ranked the second-least punctual service at the start of this year. Only 47.5 per cent of its journeys came in on time. Nya completed training to become a therapy dog SWNS It also had the second-highest percentage of services cancelled over the same period, more than two fifths of which were attributed to faults by the operator. Stephen O'Callaghan, TPE's safeguarding and crime prevention lead and Nya's owner, said: 'I've had dogs most of my life and have always been a dog lover. I've always recognised the strong connection that dogs can have on improving people's wellbeing and the natural calming abilities that they bring to people as well as the social interaction that they provide.' The operator, which runs services in northern England and Scotland, said the dog offered a 'tail-wagging welcome' to passengers and provided a 'way for them to destress while travelling'. It added: 'She's also lending a paw to staff wellbeing, supporting mental health in the workplace.' Stephen O'Callaghan says dogs have 'natural calming abilities' SWNS O'Callaghan said: 'Nya is now officially qualified to perform visits and she has received such positive response, with dozens of travellers and colleagues stopping to say hello. 'I'm so proud that TPE is the first ever train operator to have its own therapy dog and I'd love to see this rolled out across the rest of the railway.' Nya 'spreads happiness on the rail network', he said. 'She really does put a smile on people's face'. O'Callaghan takes the dog on walks to meet staff and the public at stations around the network. 'We all know it can be stressful at times, so dogs on the rail network are only a good thing in my opinion', he said.
