Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls'

‘Amethyst Falls’ wisteria is a deciduous, climbing vine in the Fabaceae (bean) family. It is a wisteria cultivar from Head Ornamentals, Inc. Unlike the more common Asian wisteria, you will be pleasantly surprised by the less aggressive nature of this American vine. Considered by some to be a dwarf wisteria, ‘Amethyst Falls’ has smaller leaves and smaller flowers than its exotic Asian relatives. Once this plant is established, it can climb 18 to 20 feet high and has a spread of 10 to 15 feet wide. 

‘Amethyst Falls’ should be planted in full sun and in moist soil with good drainage. Space the plants 6 to 12 feet apart. This plant blooms on new wood, providing a gorgeous, heavy bloom in the late spring and a lighter, repeat bloom in summer. The flowers are lightly fragrant, lavender-purple, and borne in cascading 4- to 6-inch racemes in May. Due to the fact that our native wisterias bloom on new growth, vines can be moderately pruned back each winter. This characteristic helps gardeners train ‘Amethyst Falls’ onto arbors or to almost any trellis form. This plant has a low toxicity to cats, dogs, and horses.

An excellent choice as an alternative for the more aggressive, invasive Asian varieties, this wisteria is also both deer resistant and drought tolerant. Plant as a specimen, taking advantage of any vertical space in the landscape. It works perfectly in containers on a patio or near a pool. Its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies makes it a great addition to a pollinator garden. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.  

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

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