Wisteria problems - Ask Extension
Hi,
Hoping we can learn what the problem is with our wisteria and how to remedy it. This is a 6 year old tree that has struggled with growth and bloo...
Knowledgebase
Wisteria problems #871081
Asked June 01, 2024, 4:23 PM EDT
Hi,
Hoping we can learn what the problem is with our wisteria and how to remedy it. This is a 6 year old tree that has struggled with growth and bloomed for the first time this year with maybe just 4 or 5 blossom heads. About a week after the bloom, we had a few high temp days in the 80s and then all the leaves have withered and fell off. Not too much yellowing or drying, everything just has fallen off.
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
This might be indicating drought stress, nutrient deficiency, poor drainage. Salt might be running off street towards the shrub. Your wisteria's lack of numerous blooms may also be due to its relatively young age. Wisteria usually blooms more when it gets older (7-15 years).
As it prefers moist (but not too wet) soils, provide it regular water as necessary during the warmest periods. Wisteria is a nitrogen-fixer so when you fertilize, it should be with a low nitrogen, high phosphorus fertilizer, e.g., 10-60-10. You could try mixing some bone meal into the the soil each spring.
Recommend also that you prune the Wisteria. Here is a helpful article on Wisteria pruning from Oregon State Extension - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/wisteria-care-take-out-clippers-twice-year-go-town
As it prefers moist (but not too wet) soils, provide it regular water as necessary during the warmest periods. Wisteria is a nitrogen-fixer so when you fertilize, it should be with a low nitrogen, high phosphorus fertilizer, e.g., 10-60-10. You could try mixing some bone meal into the the soil each spring.
Recommend also that you prune the Wisteria. Here is a helpful article on Wisteria pruning from Oregon State Extension - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/wisteria-care-take-out-clippers-twice-year-go-town
