If there were a plant straight out of a daydream, it would be Wisteria. These stunning vines with cascading flowers look almost too magical to be real. But to some, their rapid growth and spreading root systems can be more of a nightmare. So, if you want the beauty of Wisteria without concerns about the roots taking over, can Wisteria grow in a pot?
Thankfully, Wisteria grows well in containers, though there is a bit of extra maintenance involved. To keep your potted Wisteria happy, you will need to check it each day to see if it needs watering, apply fertilizer monthly in the growing season, and either repot it to a bigger container or prune back the root system from time to time.
Container gardening has its ups and downs, and that applies to Wisteria as well. In this article, we will go over the pros and cons of growing Wisteria in a planter, what types of pots and soils work best, and then we’ll get into the specific care instructions for those of you wanting to grow a Wisteria this way.
Can You Keep Wisteria In a Container?
When planted in the ground, Wisteria takes little to no input from the gardener. And though Wisteria kept in a container does require a bit of extra care, it is possible to grow this stunning plant in a pot.
When planted in a container, you will need to water and fertilize the Wisteria regularly. Plus, you’ll have to repot and trim the roots every year or two to keep Wisteria happily growing in its container. So, there is more maintenance involved if you decide to go this route.
Wisteria does grow better in the ground than in a container, but since these vines sometimes turn into nuisances in warm climates, you may not mind slowing down its growth a little bit.
Wisteria grown in a container is unlikely to reach the same maximum size as the same Wisteria grown in the ground. Even with a large container, there is a limit to how much room the roots have to grow. But for some, this is a good thing! One of the benefits of growing Wisteria in a container is to help you control the growth.
Should You Keep Your Wisteria In a Pot or Not?
If you’ve had your eye on a Wisteria but can’t decide whether it should be kept in a container or planted directly into the ground, there are a few things you should consider before making the decision. Below you’ll find a list of the pros and cons of keeping your Wisteria in a planter.
Pros:
Control the Size: Wisteria grows quickly. The confines of your container will help to control the speed at which this plant grows.
Control the Spread: In many states, Wisteria is considered to be an invasive species. If you want to keep your plant from spreading, container gardening may be the best solution.
Protect Your Pipes and House Foundation: Not only do Wisteria grow quickly above the ground, but their roots spread out aggressively underground as well. To keep your Wisteria from damaging your home’s pipes or foundation, plant it in a container.
Perfect for Deck or Balcony: If you don’t have the space to plant this beauty into your yard, a Wisteria in a container is a good candidate for decks, patios, and balconies.
Moveable: As long as you don’t attach your Wisteria directly to a fence, wall, or another stationary object, you can move your Wisteria to a new location if it isn’t thriving (or if you find a spot you like better).
Cons:
Daily Watering: Even when your Wisteria is well-established in its container, you’ll still have to water the plant every day in the summer. Wisterias planted in the ground can often sustain themselves on rainwater alone once they mature.
Nutrient Deficient Soil: The soil in your Wisteria’s container will have to be amended as the plant uses up the available nutrients. This can be done via fertilizer or by refreshing the potting soil. Read more on fertilizing Wisteria here.
Repotting Can Be Difficult: When attached to a trellis or wall, repotting a Wisteria grown in a container gets tricky.
Periodic Root Pruning: To continue growing in the same container (or even one that is slightly larger), you’ll need to prune back the roots once every year or two. As I said above, this gets tricky once the plant is attached to and climbing up a support.
Needs Winter Insulation: Because the roots will technically be above the ground, you’ll need to find a way to insulate your pot before the cold weather comes. This can be achieved by wrapping the pot or piling mulch up around the sides.
What Type of Wisteria Grows In Containers?
The Wisteria most frequently spotted in gardens are Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), and Silky Wisteria (Wisteria brachybotrys). These are vigorous and quick-growing Wisteria, but they can still be grown in containers.
If you are looking for a slightly tamer Wisteria, try American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). This gorgeous variety grows at about one-third of the rate of Asian Wisteria, making it easier to handle and simpler to keep in a container.
Where To Place Your Wisteria
Your Wisteria can thrive in a container if put in an area where it will be exposed to the proper outdoor conditions. As with most plants, the main thing to consider when choosing the perfect location is how much light the Wisteria will receive. For best results, place your Wisteria somewhere it gets full sun. Though Wisteria can grow in partial sun, it may not flower as spectacularly with limited access to sunlight.
As you probably know, Wisterias are natural climbers, so you’ll also want to make sure you give your plant something to climb. This can be accomplished either by adding in support, like stakes or trellises, to the pot directly or scooting your plant up near a fence, wall, or pergola. These options will support the vine as well as create a focal point in your landscape.
The Best Pot to Use for Wisteria
Wisterias develop a large, strong root system. In fact, the root system is so substantial that it can damage a house’s foundation over time if it is planted too close to your home. So, what pot should you use to contain this monster grower?
You’ll want to choose a pot that is larger than the pot your Wisteria came in, but only slightly. Pots that are excessively large contain too much soil, and too much soil retains a lot of water, which is something that you’ll want to avoid for your Wisteria. But since Wisteria roots grow and spread quickly, you’ll likely need to repot up to the next size again the following year.
As your Wisteria grows, repot it in slightly larger containers each time. To help keep your Wisteria under control, you can remove up to one-third of the roots each time you repot.
Drainage is extremely important when choosing pots for all garden plants, including Wisteria. Any pot you choose will need at least one drainage hole in the bottom. This allows excess water, like that from a summer rainstorm, to flow out of the pot rather than pooling in the bottom and creating a swamp.
On the flip side, avoid containers that wick moisture away from the soil, like terra cotta and concrete. These porous materials will dry your planter out more quickly and may leave you with a dehydrated and thirsty Wisteria.
When it comes to moisture levels in containers, think like Goldilocks. You need a container that won’t hold too much or too little water. Wisterias need moist soil that isn’t soggy but also doesn’t dry out in the hottest part of the day. You’ll have to check the soil daily to make sure you’ve got the right balance.
No matter what you choose, be aware that there is always a chance your Wisteria will break or crack the container. Try to pick a strong material, like thick plastic or a sturdy whisky barrel, to keep your Wisteria safe in its pot.
The Best Soil For Container Wisterias
In the ground, Wisterias need well-drained, fertile soil. The same holds true for Wisteria in containers. Use a potting mix that contains compost, peat moss, and perlite to provide adequate drainage but still retains enough moisture for the vine’s needs. I tend to stay away from anything that touts “moisture control” and just aim for a standard potting mix without those additives.
Like most plants grown in containers, the ideal soil pH for Wisteria is between 6.0 and 7.0. Most commercial potting mixes will have a pH that falls within this range.
Caring For Wisteria in Containers
While there are a few extra steps to growing Wisteria in a container, a couple of upsides make it worth the work. Wisteria in a pot is easier to control, won’t damage your foundation, and can be moved (as long as it isn’t vining up something immovable.)
But proper care is essential for Wisteria to thrive in containers. These plants are hardy when planted in the ground, but they require a little more attention when grown in pots.
Water
Keeping a Wisteria watered is more hands-on in containers than in the ground. When plants mature and become established in the ground, they usually grow just fine with only an occasional watering in a particularly hot or dry spell. But because containers dry out more quickly, you’ll need to check the soil every day during warm weather.
Water your plant when the top two inches of soil are dry. Check this by poking your finger down into the soil and feeling for moisture. If the soil is still moist, you can skip watering. If the top two inches of soil is dried out, it is time to water. Wisteria can tolerate some periods of drought, but it is best not to let them dry out in containers.
Make sure you’re watering your Wisteria thoroughly so that about twenty percent of what you put in flows out through the drainage hole in the bottom. Thorough waterings ensure that the entire root system has access to the water it needs to hydrate the plant.
Fertilizer
Most potting soil is fortified with the nutrients that garden plants need to grow, but within three to six months, your Wisteria will have absorbed and utilized most of what is available. That means you’ll need to add in more in the form of fertilizer.
A general-purpose 10-10-10 formula works well for Wisteria but for an extra boost of blooms, choose something with higher levels of potassium and phosphorus like 10-30-20 (like this mix from Jack’s). Follow the directions on the package for fertilizing, but always dilute to half strength before pouring into your containers. Remember, it’s always easier to add more fertilizer; it can be challenging to remove it when it’s too much. Too much fertilizer can lead to damaged roots and may excel foliage growth with less flowering.
Fertilize Wisteria once a month in the spring and summer but hold off in the fall. You don’t want to give your plant a boost right before it goes dormant for the winter, as it may start putting out new growth that won’t have time to harden off before the cold comes. Never add fertilizer to a plant in the winter.
If you do not wish to fertilize your plant, you can refresh your container with new potting soil or compost. This can be done every year or two when you repot to a larger container or by simply scraping back the top 2-3 inches of soil and replacing it with new.
Read more about fertilizing Wisteria here: The Best Fertilizer and Compost to Use on Your Wisteria.
Pruning
All Wisterias require pruning regardless of whether they are in the ground or in a container. In summer, after the blooms have faded, trim the new shoots back to about six inches, leaving a few buds and a few leaves on the new growth. Wisteria flowers on the previous year’s growth, so be sure not to cut it all off unless you really need to.
You can repeat the process in late fall, removing any excess growth from the summer but leaving a few buds. This type of pruning encourages blooming and keeps Wisteria from getting unmanageably large. During the first few seasons, you may not need to prune quite as ruthlessly as you will need to as your Wisteria matures.
In addition to pruning the leaves and branches of your plant, Wisteria kept in containers will also need root pruning. Every year or two, when you’re repotting your plant or refreshing the soil, go ahead and cut back about 1/3 of the root system. Always do this pruning in the spring so your plant will have enough time to sure up its root system before the cold arrives at the end of the year.
Training
Wisteria can be trained to grow up walls, fences, pergolas, and more. But be mindful that attaching your container-grown Wisteria to anything immovable can pose a real challenge when it comes time to repot to a new container or prune back the roots.
Winterizing
If the variety of Wisteria you’ve chosen is hardy in your area, the cold weather you receive in the winter would not pose any threats to a Wisteria firmly planted in the ground. However, above-ground containers can freeze, and extreme temperatures can damage container Wisterias.
To protect your Wisteria this winter, you’ll need to insulate the pot. This can be achieved by wrapping the container with insulating fabric, burying it in the ground, or piling mulch up around the sides of the container.
Will Wisteria Grow and Bloom Indoors?
Before I close, I wanted to address one last question surrounding Wisteria in containers. Technically, Wisteria will grow in an indoor environment, but it does not make a good houseplant. Wisteria thrives in warm climates with lots of direct sun, so it is challenging to keep it happy indoors and nearly impossible to convince it to flower.
That being said, some people do grow Wisteria as a bonsai. Wisteria’s whimsical appearance makes it a stunning specimen for this Japanese art form. But attempting to grow Wisteria bonsai is not for the average houseplant owner as it takes a lot of care, dedication, and patience. This form of Wisteria doesn’t even begin to flower until it is 10 years old. Also, bonsai is usually only brought indoors during the winter.
So as magical as it might seem to have Wisteria trailing around indoors, the reality of indoor Wisteria will never meet the expectations.
Final Thoughts
Wisteria grown in containers may take a little more effort than those planted in the ground, but you will get stunning results either way. If you’ve wanted to give Wisteria a try but are concerned that it might take over your yard, container gardening could be the perfect solution.
Just remember, you’ll need to be diligent about checking for water levels, supplementing with nutrients, and pruning each year. If you’re willing to put in the work, Wisteria does well in a container and can add beauty to your home without growing out of control.