Just as Bridgerton makes its much anticipated return, so does the floral buy of the season. Aldi has brought back its potted wisteria, which is available for less than £20.
Ever since we learned that you can to grow wisteria in pots, the possibilities for this pretty climber seem even more endless, and Aldi is making it delightfully accessible with it's oh-so-tempting price point.
As we're seeing the purple flower in full glory with the return of Netflix's period drama, the FOMO of missing out is real, and while you may already be looking for wisteria for small gardens, this high street option may just take the cake.
Aldi Wisteria Amethyst Falls
Wisteria Amethyst Falls are available to buy in-store at your local Aldi right now for only £16.99, however once they're gone, they're gone, so you better move fast if you want to get in on the action.
Soften bare walls, fences, and open spaces with this beautiful flower that will make your home the envy of the Ton (or, you know, Instagram). Just make sure you know how to train climbing plants so you can create the frontage of your dreams.
What to look for when buying potted plants at the supermarket
Of course, we aim to always keep you clued up with expert-led advice, so while buying wisteria and other plants at your local supermarket is super convenient, there are some things to always keep in mind before picking up any old plant from the shelf.
1. Check the stems and its sturdiness
'Always look at the stems when you’re buying a supermarket, and check to see if there are any new shoots anywhere,' advises Chris O'Donoghue, gardening expert at Gardens Revived. 'If you see any signs of pest or disease or lots of older leaves and no new growth, it's not the bargain it claims to be!'
'I have had a lot of luck with house plants from IKEA in the past, as they tend to be very hardy – although I always stick them in the bath for a long drink as soon as we get home.'
'It’s the same with any supermarket plant – you don't know how long they’ve been sat out, so give them a good drink and a feed as soon as you can, and give them a little extra TLC for the first week or so,' explains Chris.
2. Check the root system
'When examining the plant, gently lift it from its pot to check the root system,' explains Zach Morgan, gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners. 'Healthy roots should be well-developed, firm, and light-coloured.'
'Avoid plants with mushy or rotting roots, because that’s usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Additionally, stay away from plants that have an unpleasant smell because that’s usually a sign of root rot.'
3. Check if its in budding or blooming stage
When purchasing potted wisteria, in particular, garden expert Zach recommends to 'look for a plant that's either budding or already blooming, because this typically indicates it's mature enough to produce flowers in the near future, allowing you to appreciate its beauty right away.'
4. Proper labelling and information
'Make sure that the potted wisteria plant is correctly labelled, providing information, such as the specific wisteria variety, care instructions, and any specific requirements it may have,' explains Zach Morgan.
'Wisterias come in different varieties, so knowing the exact type you're purchasing can help you research and understand its growth habits and care needs.' Remember that every variety does need a good trim now and again, so brush up on how to prune wisteria to keep your chosen plant in the best of health.
While supermarkets may offer convenience, gardening experts would still generally recommend purchasing wisteria plants from specialised garden centres or nurseries that focus on providing healthy and well-cared-for plants.
However, given that you keep the above tips in mind, it likely doesn't hurt to pick one up from Aldi (or other supermarkets) and see how well it fares – that's what I'll be doing this weekend. Wish me luck.
