Q. I have a beautiful wisteria on my terrace. It was green and leafy. I have an irrigation system as well as someone to check them when I am away. I just returned from a 6-day vacation and upon return my wisteria did not get enough water (the irrigation hose slipped out of the planter and my friend didn’t notice). It is not dead but most of the leaves are brittle and some are burnt on the edges. I watered it and put the hose back in. What are its prospects? Anything else I can do to help it along? Not sure what kind of wisteria and it is in a large planter. I was told they are hearty but anything that needs water and doesn’t get it has problems.
Manhattan, New York
A. Wisteria is a very hardy and tough. Some of those leaves that have burned and curled will likely fall off. But with continued watering (and water soluble fertilizer once a week) and our good weather in New York, you should (I expect) get a second flush of leaves. This same drying issue happens to Spireas, Potentillas, and Dappled Willows, as well, and the plants rebound very nicely.
Todd A. Efing,
Van Putte Gardens
Rochester, New York
www.vanputte.com
