Knowledgebase
Wisteria in a Container? #868455
Asked May 14, 2024, 6:25 PM EDT
Morgan County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Brenda,
I see that you posted your question ten days ago, but I can't determine whether or not it has been answered. My apologies if my reply is redundant. While I have some experience with growing wisteria, I've never tried growing one in a pot. As I researched your question, most information was from milder, more humid regions, so may not be quite applicable to Colorado's harsh dry winters. So, my response is that you may have luck growing a wisteria in a pot, but there's always a risk that it won't overwinter due to temperature fluctuation, freeze/thaw cycles, and our dry winters. It's important to consider that wisteria a vigorous woody vine that requires hefty support to twine around. Wisteria can also be grown as a "standard", meaning more like a tree, but still requires support. It can perhaps be treated a bit like a bonsai, keeping it pruned heavily to maintain a more manageable size. I'm including links to information from Colorado State University Extension that discusses general information on growing in containers and some tips for overwintering containers. The University of Maryland Extension link addresses more specific guidelines for growing wisteria in containers, but keep in mind, Maryland is a very different climate than Colorado. The University of Utah Extension link discusses growing wisteria in the garden, but gives a good overview of the vigor of this plant and it's growing requirements. I hope you can filter this information and apply it to your particular situation. Since you've already bought the plant, enjoy it and perhaps it will do well for you!
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/container-gardens-7-238/
https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/wisteria-in-the-garden
Warmly,
Kim S.
Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener volunteer
