Training a wisteria to standard

I have bought a wisteria ( common, sinensis) to try to train it into an umbrella-shaped tree. Has anyone done this and is there any special knack to it? I have staked it and separated its 3 leaders and tied them up to the stake, with the intention of reducing them to a single stem when they are stronger. Should I cut out the weaker 2 now and let one grow alone, or is it best to keep all 3 ( or just 2 ) in case one dies off? Any advice gratefully received. Lindy

 

Hi Lindyco, why not twist the three leading stems together thus in effect making one stem you then have the extra top growth.

 

Lindy, some advice on the RHS page - scroll down the page http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/wisteria.asp

 

Hi, Walnut. I just felt that as the stems grow they would become too thick and twisted. I twined new wisteria stems round the post of a pergola 3 years ago and they have got so thick round the wooden post now that they're in danger of splitting the framework apart! I wish I'd just trained them straight up the side. Still, I could see it working as a tree, and it might make an attractive 'plaited' trunk. Thanks for your idea. Lindy.

 

Thank you, Aaron for this helpful link to RHS page! At least I know now it can be done!