Photo: Raul654, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Japanese wisteria: when and how to prune
Wisteria floribunda
Japanese wisteria is best pruned in January–February and July–August.
| Pruning months | January–February and July–August |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in July–August |
| Flowering | May–June |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Japanese wisteria: when to prune it?
Twice a year: in July–August and in January–February.
What else to prune in those months? January · February · July · August
Japanese wisteria: how to prune it?
- In summer, cut the long new shoots back to 5–6 leaves; in winter, shorten them further to 2–3 buds. This makes it form flower buds instead of long stems.
- In summer, also remove shoots growing towards gutters, windows or the roof.
- In winter, spare the fat, round buds: these are the flower buds; the narrow, pointed ones are leaf buds.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: January–February and July–August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in July–August can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Caution: A plant grown from seed may take ten years or more to flower: buy a grafted plant instead. Japanese wisteria is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from Chinese wisteria
Plant profile: Japanese wisteria · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.