How to Plant American Wisteria

Overview

The American wisteria is a woody vine that produces purple flowers. It is a deciduous perennial that prefers the eastern part of the United States from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas. This species is less invasive than the species imported from Asia (Wisteria floribunda and Wisteria sinensis). Depending on the amount of care and pruning the American wisteria receives, it can grow from 20 to 50 feet tall.

Step 1

Dig holes for each plant that are twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Dig the holes 18 to 24 inches apart.

Step 2

Fill each hole with water, then center each American wisteria in its hole. Backfill the holes with soil, gently packing it as you go.

Step 3

Give the plants 1 inch of water. If your hose has a mister, use it if the plants are small. Use the sprinkler function if the plants are larger. Water the plants twice per week. If you notice that they are wilting, water every other day. Wisteria prefers moist, well-drained soil and grows well at the edge of a pond or stream.

Step 4

Mulch the plants with compost or pulverized bark. Depending on your landscaping, this step is optional. Use 1 to 2 inches, depending on the size of the plants.