Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls'

‘Amethyst Falls’ wisteria is a cultivar introduction in the Fabaceae (bean) familiy 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 15 to 20 feet in a season.

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.

An excellent choice as an alternative for the more aggressive, invasive Oriental varieties, this wisteria is also both deer resistant and drought tolerant. Plant as a specimen taking advantage of any vertical space in the landscape 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 serious problems.  

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

More information on Wisteria frutescens.