Troubleshooting
Wisteria sinensis problems — and how to fix them
Wisteria sinensis (Wisteria sinensis) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
No flowers / years of leaf only
Most often a seed-grown plant that has not reached flowering maturity, too much shade, or excess nitrogen — buy a named grafted plant and prune twice a year.
Failure to flower after good years
Usually loss of flower buds to a hard late frost, or hard pruning at the wrong time that removes the short flowering spurs.
Outgrowing its support
Wisteria is enormously vigorous and its woody stems can crush gutters and lift tiles — site it on a sturdy, dedicated frame and prune in summer and winter.
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves with green veins)
Iron deficiency on very alkaline or chalky soils; treat with sequestered iron and improve soil with organic matter.
Prevent wisteria sinensis problems before they start
Most wisteria sinensis issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Wisteria sinensis varieties: common problems
Looking for wisteria sinensis in general rather than its problems? Read the full wisteria sinensis care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Wisteria sinensis problems — FAQ
Why is my wisteria sinensis no flowers / years of leaf only?
Most often a seed-grown plant that has not reached flowering maturity, too much shade, or excess nitrogen — buy a named grafted plant and prune twice a year.
Why is my wisteria sinensis failure to flower after good years?
Usually loss of flower buds to a hard late frost, or hard pruning at the wrong time that removes the short flowering spurs.
Why is my wisteria sinensis outgrowing its support?
Wisteria is enormously vigorous and its woody stems can crush gutters and lift tiles — site it on a sturdy, dedicated frame and prune in summer and winter.
Why is my wisteria sinensis chlorosis (yellowing leaves with green veins)?
Iron deficiency on very alkaline or chalky soils; treat with sequestered iron and improve soil with organic matter.