Q.Can wisteria plants survive strong winds?
I live in Athens, Greece and I bought a rather small wisteria plant from my local garden center last July. I had it growing up my air condition unit until recently, as during the summer months it gets very hot here and the unit blows out constant air when in use – I don’t want the strong air to dry out my wisteria or affect its growth.
I moved it to chimney wall where I have a bougainvillea growing, but as I get rather strong winds where I live [North Athens on a mountain], I’m worried the wind might affect its growth. It gets approx. 7 – 8 direct hot sunlight in the summer months but on occasion during the summer months we can get very strong winds and I wonder if these winds will disturb it.
My bougainvillea seems to handle the wind ok and blooms well but wisteria I think is more delicate and perhaps should be more sheltered. The winds aren’t constant and during summer not that strong but as I’m quite north my balcony does get the full effect of these winds especially in winter.
It appears to be blooming now, so I hope the wind won’t destroy it; but do you think I should maybe put it elsewhere? Problem is I don’t want to grow it up my house and the chimney acts as a great structural post for it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you!
Costas
Thank you very much for the reply and very useful links Downtoearthdigs :-)
I have since moved the plant to a more sheltered spot that still receives a good amount of sun.
Not as much sun as previously but as the summers in Athens get so hot I think my wisteria will still reap the benefits of its new position.
It actually has 17 flowers at the moment which are beautiful and the scent is gorgeous! Never knew they smelt so delicious and I feel blessed it flowered.
I bought it as a very sad looking small vine only last year and it has surprised me tremendously! The climate here does wonders for the plants.
I’m very appreciative for your answer and time in assisting me with this query! You’ve helped me a lot have a great day :-)
Yes, your Wisteria does need protection from strong winds that can damage and dry out the flowers and vines.
Ideal growing is roots in the shade, vines in the sun, with a very strong support structure. You are wise to not have the vine grow unto your home, as it can be damaging to your homes structure.
Perhaps you can use a trellis type structure that would help break the wind.
I have attached a few links for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/pergola-climbing-plants.htm
