Plant Doctor Archive

Wisteria in containers

I would like to grow wisteria up a balcony that has only concrete beneath it and not a lot of room for large pots. Would a wisteria survive for a number of years in a smaller sized pot. If so, what would be the main criteria to ensure it remained healthy and flowered profusely? Do you recommend any particular white wisteria that would be particularly fragrant?

Yes, wisteria grows well in pots and is used in the ancient art of bonsai. The pot size you select will depend upon how big your plant is now. I would not go any smaller than 35 cm for a metre high plant. Choose the maximum size pot that will fit the space. The bigger the pot, the bigger your wisteria will grow.

Your wisteria could remain in that pot for several years. Additional fertiliser would need to be added — use Osmocote granules at three monthly intervals during spring and summer. Liquid feed throughout spring and summer — Thrive Flower and Fruit will also benefit your wisteria. Keep well watered throughout the growing season; water every day during dry periods.

There are products suited to growing plants in containers that will assist your wisteria — a wetting agent such as Saturaid will help channel the water to the plant's roots where it is needed. Crystal Rain water crystals will help retain moisture in the potting mix. Seal your terracotta pot with Terraseal pot sealer or silicon spray to help prevent drying out.

Recommended varieties — Wisteria floribunda 'Alba' or Wisteria floribunda 'Snow Showers' — fragrant pendulous flowers 45-60 cm long.

Wisteria venusta 'White Silk' — fragrant creamy white pendulous flowers (not as long as 'Alba' or 'Snow Showers').

Advice by Dr Dan Blanchon from Unitec's Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Bachelor of Resource Management.

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