Training

• Proper pruning is the only way to keep wisteria in tree form. Use stakes and allow the young wisteria plant to grow upright to the height of 4 to 5 feet. Snip off the top of the vine once it reaches this height. This encourages the formation of a woody stem and lower, vegetative branches. Lower branches will grow at all levels of the trunk, so cut back the lowest of branches and allow upper branches to take on a familiar tree shape.
  
  During summer months, when the tree flourishes with growth, cut back straggly shoots. Do not cut back to the main trunk. The remaining length of the shoots should have six to seven leaves attached. Prune back these lower branches during the winter dormant season. Do not cut back the branches to the main stem, instead cut back to the length of 6 to 12 inches or one to two buds. Continue this practice each winter until the tree is shaped to your specifications.
  
  

Alternate Methods

• The tree siting is important as wisteria requires a great deal of sunlight in order to flower profusely. If you are unsure of where to site your tree, or if you live in a cold region and wish to winter the plant indoors, you may consider planting the vine in a pot. Many ornamental trees are grown in large containers, and wisteria is no different. Stake the vine and follow the standard pruning methods. The size of the tree will be limited to the size of the container, but the overall health and longevity of the plant will not be affected.
  
  Wisteria can be grown along trellises, arbors and pergolas. Some gardeners encourage the vine to take on the shape of a tree by growing the vine onto a tree. Be wary of this as trees with diameters of less than 10 inches can be strangled by wisteria's rampant growth.