Tidy Up Your Wisteria

Get Your Garden in Shape

Summer was in full swing, and you enjoyed the longer days and warmer weather, your garden started looking a bit unruly. July and August were the perfect months to tidy up summer growth and give your plants a little attention before the chill of autumn sets in. Don't despair if July, August and September slipped by....they were wonderful months for sitting in the garden. You can still get a wiggle on and by following some simple pruning tips, you can not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also pave the way for healthier plant growth.

Cut Back Those Whippy Side Shoots

As the summer heats up and after those beautiful blooms, Wisteria love to sprout long, whippy side shoots. These tend to create a chaotic look and can affect the overall shape of your plant. To combat this, aim to cut back these shoots to about 30-40 cm from the main branches, leaving 4-6 leaves or buds behind. This not only helps maintain the plant’s silhouette, but it also encourages new growth and can improve air circulation around the plant.

Improve Air Circulation for Healthier Plants

One of the key aspects of maintaining a flourishing garden is ensuring there's proper air circulation. When you prune those unruly side shoots, you're also allowing for better airflow throughout the plant. Important as it can prevent the development of diseases and allows sunlight to reach the base of young shoots. Enhanced sunlight exposure encourages a better ripening process for the woodier stems, ultimately leading to healthier plants.

Prep for Winter Pruning

As we look ahead to the cold winter months, late summer serves as a critical preparation period for winter pruning. A neat trim not only improves the aesthetic of your garden but also makes the more precise winter tasks easier and safer. By decluttering the growth now, you'll set yourself up for success when it's time to tackle the more rigorous pruning of your plants in winter.

In conclusion, taking the time to tidy up your garden with these simple pruning methods will yield a host of benefits. IT's optimal to do this in late July / early August , but do it now before the leaves fall and the plat goes into dormancy, ready for the winter prune which I'll talk about in later in the year. So grab those pruning shears, and get ready to enjoy a more vibrant and healthy garden!