Wisteria's a pretty addition to any garden, but it can be tricky! Here's what to do with a wisteria that is not blooming.
Wisteria Not Blooming? Here’s What to Do
Published on Mar. 19, 2025
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Why Is My Wisteria Plant Not Producing Flowers?
“I planted a wisteria vine several years ago. Every year, foliage appears, but the plant doesn’t produce flowers. Why is my wisteria not blooming?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Barbara Mall of Dingman’s Ferry, Pennsylvania.
Gardening expert Melinda Myers says, “Poor flowering is a common lament of gardeners growing wisteria. Patience is the answer—it takes years for the plant to mature and bloom. Too much nitrogen can impede flowering and encourage rampant vine growth, so cut back on fertilizing and consider a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer if you feel wisteria needs a nutrient boost.
For northern gardeners, the weather poses an additional challenge—though Chinese and Japanese wisterias are stem-hardy, cold winters may kill the flower buds. Mature plants may only bloom after mild winters. Since you can’t control the weather, you’ll have to have to settle for beautiful foliage most seasons.
Or try Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya), which I’ve seen flowering in Zone 4; its flowers are smaller and appear on new growth. Though less showy, it’s a more reliable option.
Check out the top 10 vines to grow for hummingbirds.
Choose Native Wisteria for Better Blooming
“My wisteria has beautiful, full foliage, but no blooms. In early summer, small, round berries appear. What is wrong?” asks reader Bev Lutkenhaus of Calmar, Iowa.
Melinda says, Those little berries are likely flower buds. Late spring frosts, fluctuating temperatures and overly dry soil can prevent buds from opening or cause them to drop off the plant completely.
Chances are you’re growing a type of Asian wisteria—Chinese or Japanese. Some of these varieties can take more than 15 years before they bloom, and they can be invasive in some states.
Midwest gardeners usually have better success growing American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). It may be a bit less spectacular than the Asian wisterias because the flowers appear with the leaves, but it is a more reliable bloomer.”
Grow American wisteria in full sun with strong support in Zones 5 to 9. Pollinators such as butterflies and bees love to visit its long, fragrant vines when it blooms in spring. American wisteria also serves as a larval host plant for several skipper butterflies.
Check out our favorite bushes with pretty purple flowers.
When to Prune Wisteria
“I have wisteria planted with my pergola and can’t keep up with trimming it! Is there any way to slow down its growth?” asks reader Mary Beth Rechichar of Grindstone, Pennsylvania.
Melinda says, “If this is a Chinese or Japanese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda, respectively) both are invasive in your state and many others. Consider removing the plant to eliminate the need to prune and the risk of it spreading into nearby natural spaces where it climbs, girdles and eventually kills trees.
The native wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is less aggressive but still a vigorous vine. In this case, regular moderate pruning each year can help manage the growth of established plants. Since they flower on new growth, you can prune them during the dormant season and still have flowers. Avoid excessive pruning and fertilization that can encourage excessive growth.”
Did you know: With careful pruning, sweet-smelling wisteria can be grown as a climbing vine, shrub or small tree.
Prevent Birds from Eating Wisteria Blooms
“For the first time last year, my 6-year-old wisteria had tons of blooms! Is it possible to keep the birds from eating the gorgeous blossoms so I can enjoy them, too?” asks reader Carmen Fraser of Brooklin, Ontario.
Melinda says, “Congratulations! Your patience with wisteria paid off. Netting is cumbersome and unattractive, but usually an effective method of protecting the blooms. Or try scare tactics like placing pinwheels, clanging pans, old DVDs or small mirrors in and near the plant. You’ll get the best results if you install protection before the birds visit and vary the type and location of scare tactics you use.”
About the Expert
Melinda Myers is the official gardening expert for Birds & Blooms. She is a TV/radio host, author and columnist who has written more than 20 gardening books. Melinda earned a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
