Q.Pruning Wisterias
I understand the pruning technique where the flowering stalk is pruned leaving a 3-budded twig approximately a couple of months after flowering, but what happens next year? Does it send out multiple flowering shoots from that pruned point, or does that 3-budded twig only have one flower again and then needs to be cut back and retained to the 3-bud point again the following year, keeping the same flowering twig year after year? I am trying to create a patterned canopy of single wisteria arms dotted with flowers along its length.
Pruning the Wisteria is a twice a year chore with the vine to control and help produce flowering.
In the winter or early spring you need to tidy the vine and either maintain the size or help the new growth expand the into the shape you are seeking.
New long growth shoots can be attached and tied into the required positions. These new shoots can also be used to replaced old unwanted wood.
If you do not want new growth, they are trimmed away, leaving 1 inch of stem that will encourage flower buds in coming years.
In summer after the vine has flowered, the vine will began a rapid growth period.
New shoots can once again be used to fill in and shape the vine, or cut away in the same method.
These short new growths are what need to be converted to blooming areas by pruning.
Pruning should take place on these stems in July - Aug.
Cut these new shoots approx 6 joints away from the support branch.
This cut will then begin to send out growth and this joint will need to be cut back to 1 or 2 joints on a regular basis.
These shoots will produce the flowers and then the process starts over the following season.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/pruning-wisteria.htm
