Purple Wisteria, Green Seed Pods

These are the seed pods that form on wisteria vines after they bloom. As I’ve said before, I love my wisteria.  Actually, I grew to love my wisteria that was on my patio arbor before I moved in.

They have the most beautiful blooms and that’s what makes the rest of the year worth it for me. They look dramatic draped over the patio arbor and creating a stunning purple canopy in the spring. So dramatic, that I think there should be a wedding going on every time I go out there!

My wisteria is so enchanting I forgive it for all the drama it puts me through the rest of the year. My vine is fairly drought tolerant, so that’s another thing going for it. I can’t really take out something that puts up with my slipshod watering schedule just because it has a few ‘issues’ can I?

But, anyone thinking of planting one of these enchanting bloomers should know what they’re getting into beforehand. Here’s what we’re into today. These are the gianormous pods that form from the 8 to 12 inch blooms. The pods start out about the same size, then dry into dramatic twisting, bumpy pods. They’re hanging in bunches from my arbor right now. Aren’t they striking?

Actually the ‘striking’ comes later, but I degrees… So, eh, as I said they dry out. That means the pods are actually dripping moisture. They dry fastest during the heat of the day, so if you’re out there you won’t need to turn on your misting system. Luckily the drips aren’t sticky, otherwise it would be a disaster out there (and time for me to get out the axe.)

Anyway, if you have a wisteria this would be a good time to cut off as many of these pods as you can reach. I use a pair of long tree pruning shears because the stems are thick. Not having to spend energy on forming seeds, it will be good for the plant. And not having drips will be good too. The next phase is the most interactive -and exciting; the pods explode and send seeds and the pods flying!