Wisteria

[GreggleC]

Hiya Folks,
I’m trying to get wisteria to create sort of a “green roof” on an arbor we built just for that purpose. My plan is to string stainless wire in a criss-cross pattern for the wisteria to grab onto. Haven’t found much about training wisteria in this type of situation so I appeal to you and this forum for any and all advice.

My primary questions are below:

1. Should I fasten the wire under or over the top of the arbor roof?
2. If the answer is over, will the weight of the wisteria be an issue, especially if snow gathers on it.
3. i read somewhere that criss crossing wire on diagonals is the best way to train it across the “roof”. agree or disagree?

As I mentioned any and all advice on my wisteria/roof/arbor topic is deeply appreciated.
Photos below show where things stand now.
The last photo shows my neighbors wisteria (side view) which is sort of the effect I’m going for.

As always, I thank you and may your day be excellent!
Greg

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[Sean Regan]

Hi,

Wisteria doesn't "grab" but it will wind around posts etc., a bit, when they are young

We have several wisterias.

Some on pergolas, with just cross beams, a couple of feet apart. I just tie the branches on in a few places.

There's two here, they cross in the middle. Each has only one main trunk and two main branches, with "heads" coming off them.
The trunk for the one on the left comes from its root next to the garage and then along the top of the fence.

There's three here, two blue and a white in between them.

The white is seen best from underneath.

Neither of these last two are self-supporting.

This one is attached to lateral wires strung between the concrete posts at different heights. Without them, it would fall over. I restricted it to three main branches coming off both sides of the main trunk.

This one is attached to masonry nails in the brickwork every few feet. One main trunk and two intertwined branches beyond the fence. With fewer branches, it means that the energy goes where you want it to.

 

[GreggleC]

Perfect. Thanks so much. Will review and apply to my situation. Again, thanks!
greg