Timid First-Time Pruner: Wisteria Advice Wanted

[Terby]

Hi there,

This is my first time pruning my wisteria. It's only a year old, and since it's my first late winter prune, I find myself being a bit timid compared to what I've read in the guides. I'd really appreciate advice on how hard I should cut it back.

I've included some photos with letters marked on them to make it easier for anyone kind enough to share their guidance.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[DirtMechanic]

I would not push this year. Later when it wants to eat your neighbor, sure. There seems to be a lot of trunks and since they are crossing so much AND will grow much larger, a plan might be looked at while still flexible relative to strangulation.

 

[Terby]

I would not push this year. Later when it wants to eat your neighbor, sure. There seems to be a lot of trunks and since they are crossing so much AND will grow much larger, a plan might be looked at while still flexible relative to strangulation.

Thank you for your response. Quick question, should I have not trained the trunks around each other? Main stems should have climbed their support not around each other? Anyway, as it is now, should I remove one of the trunks to alleviate the strangle. I read damage or deform stems can reduce flowering in that section.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Thank you for your response. Quick question, should I have not trained the trunks around each other? Main stems should have climbed their support not around each other? Anyway, as it is now, should I remove one of the trunks to alleviate the strangle. I read damage or deform stems can reduce flowering in that section.

@Sean Regan has some pics you might find interesting. I am sure you will find certain vines weaker than others and over time will enjoy shaping the plant. Mostly I see 1-2 big trunks feed the arbor, often from a central setting on larger roofs. Somebody here has one of the espalier forms in a bit of asiatic garden setting. Have you looked into the espalier forms? There are quite a few, and you only showed a corner of your setting so there is not a helpful context.

 

[Terby]

@Sean Regan has some pics you might find interesting. I am sure you will find certain vines weaker than others and over time will enjoy shaping the plant. Mostly I see 1-2 big trunks feed the arbor, often from a central setting on larger roofs. Somebody here has one of the espalier forms in a bit of asiatic garden setting. Have you looked into the espalier forms? There are quite a few, and you only showed a corner of your setting so there is not a helpful context.

Hi again, thank you, I will have a look around Sean's page. Regarding a more helpful context, I have added another image. The plan is to grow it over the pergola. I was probably going to let three trunks feed the arbor, but I feel like they are going to strangle one another so might take one out, is my thinking at this date.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

You might find the search option helpful (Top right) . I seem to remember Sean Regan giving quite detailed advice at one point.

 

[DirtMechanic]

I simply get tickled that I have ever even talked to some of the gifted green thumbs on this site.