How to prune wisteria sinensis 'alba'

Summer: August (5–6 leaves). Winter: January–February (2–3 buds). In August, cut all lateral side shoots back to 5–6 leaves from the main framework. In January–February, shorten those same shoots to 2–3 buds. Tie in stems needed for framework extension; prune the rest.

Twice yearly — August and January–February. Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' (white Chinese wisteria) is a vigorous cultivar that shares the same pruning needs as the species. Two cuts per year are non-negotiable for reliable white flower racemes: a summer reduction and a winter spur cut. Skipping either results in a leafy plant that rarely flowers.

In August, cut all lateral side shoots back to 5–6 leaves from the main framework. In January–February, shorten those same shoots to 2–3 buds. Tie in stems needed for framework extension; prune the rest.