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Wisteria for growing on pergola

DaisypicDaisypic Posts: 80
in Plants
I thought my idea to plant a wisteria on our pergola would be straightforward until I started reading up on them. I saw a lovely Wisteria Sinensis in a garden centre but I have now read it is not suitable for a pergola, but to tell you the truth I don’t understand why. Can anyone advise me please if there are any varieties that are more suitable for trailing over a pergola. Thanks.


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  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Because it will grow massive and destroy the pergola.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Hello @Daisypic, wisteria can grow very large and very heavy but should be okay on a strong pergola - they can be pruned to fit the space you have but do want to grow!
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • DaisypicDaisypic Posts: 80
    punkdoc said:
    Because it will grow massive and destroy the pergola
    Are you being serious? How many years would it take to get to that stage? 
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Yes I am serious, and they grow quite quickly.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I have seen them on pergolas  if they are very stout and concreted in.  They’ll grow 10’ in a year once they get established, which takes a while,  they don’t flower for a few years either.   Or mine didn’t. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • DaisypicDaisypic Posts: 80
    Lyn said:
    I have seen them on pergolas  if they are very stout and concreted in.  They’ll grow 10’ in a year once they get established, which takes a while,  they don’t flower for a few years either.   Or mine didn’t. 
    I think your comments may have made up my mind, maybe a wisteria is not a good choice. So my next dilemma is what other climbers which are not as vigorous could I plant? 
  • Gardener_JoanGardener_Joan Posts: 27
    Trachelospermum jasminoides& Clematis Early sensation could be a good combination
  • DaisypicDaisypic Posts: 80
    Gardener_Joan said:
    Trachelospermum jasminoides& Clematis Early sensation could be a good combination
    Two good choices, thank you. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Depends where you live as to whether those last two would grow @Daisypic . That jasmine especially, isn't hardy everywhere. The evergreen clematis need a suitable sheltered site too. 
    Almost any other clematis will be fine, depending on aspect, and when you want flowers. The size of the pergola is also a factor in choosing. Look at the specialist sites for info - Taylors, Thorncroft and Hawthornes.

    If you like roses, I'm sure many of those would be suitable. Again - check the specialist growers for info - Peter Beales and David Austin, or ask on a separate thread, and some of the knowledgeable folk on the forum who grow them, will advise on the best ones to go for  :)
    You can also add annuals for summer colour - many are easy from seed. Sweet peas Ipomoea [Morning Glory] etc. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DaisypicDaisypic Posts: 80
    Thanks @Fairygirl for your advice, the pergola is in a windy place so maybe back to the drawing board, it’s definitely a climber I am looking for but would need to be able to withstand wind and rain, as we have alot of that in Wales! 
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