Pruning wisteria
Advice for August in the Netherlands
Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) has two pruning moments with different purposes: the winter prune and the summer prune. Below you see what is sensible this month.
Wisteria — August
Prune now
July and August are for the summer prune of wisteria. It has a different purpose from the winter prune: now you check this year's long, wandering whips so the plant puts energy into flower buds rather than length. Leave the main branches and the framework you want.
Pay attention to this
- The summer prune checks this year's long whips; the winter prune then refines the buds.
- Biggest mistake: confusing main branches and wanted young framework with long side shoots.
- Always allow for frost and for differences between species and positions: postpone pruning during prolonged frost or when night frost is forecast.
See exactly where to cut
With real hands-on videos in the SnoeiWijs Tuinclub.
Frequently asked questions
- When should you prune wisteria?
- Twice a year: the winter prune in January or February in frost-free weather, and the summer prune in July or August.
- What is the difference between the winter and summer prune?
- In summer you check this year's long whips; in winter you refine the framework and keep the flower buds visible.
- How do I prune wisteria without losing flowers?
- Tell the main branches and wanted young framework apart from the long side shoots. We show the exact bud counts in the Tuinclub.