Tree Vines That Look Like Grapes

Types

• Wisteria has 10 species, two native to the United States and the others native to eastern Asia. The most common versions gardeners use are the American Wisteria frutescens and Wisteria sinensis from China. Both versions produce 12- to 18-inch-long clusters of aromatic flowers that bloom in spring and grow on vines 25 to 30 feet long. Frutescens blooms with the leaves and sinensis blooms before the leaves form on the rest of the plant.

Planting Wisteria

• Wisteria likes a sunny spot in the yard, near a fence, trellis or pergola. It doesn't like to be moved, so before you plant, make sure you're putting it where it can remain undisturbed for as many as 50 years. This is one plant that thrives on neglect, so add manure, peat moss or compost to your planting hole and make sure you provide good drainage and a support stake then leave it alone.

Training

• If you'd prefer your wisteria as a bush or tree rather than a vine, it needs to be trained. To train the vine into a tree, prune back all of the vines except for the sturdiest one. Secure this vine to a sturdy stake and keep it free of shoots until it reaches the height you desire. Prune off the tip growth for it to begin to branch out, taking tree shape. Regular fall pruning keeps the wisteria bush shaped.

Caution

• While Wisteria sinensis is widely used throughout the United States, it has been determined to be an invasive species. Because it can tolerate shade and less-than-optimal soil conditions, this species of wisteria can invade forest areas and choke out the natural underbrush. If you choose to grow Wisteria sinensis, ensure the flowers don't end up in a local stream or river, and never throw clippings into uninhabited areas.