No one likes a showoff, unless we’re talking about American Wisteria, in which case…you’re going to love it! This native variety of wisteria grows at a slower rate than its Asian counterpart, but that’s no reason to exclude it from your garden. American Wisteria blooms at an early age, producing clusters of fragrant lavender blooms that weep gracefully downwards. This majestic vine can be used in containers on a porch or patio or trained up an arbor or trellis to create a romantic curtain of purple flowers in late spring. Trimming lightly after flowering will help to encourage repeat blooms. Prune your wisteria in the late winter to achieve the desired shape and control its size as needed.
Conditions: Full to part sun; moist, well-drained soils
Size: 8’ – 25’ tall
Zone: 5 - 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bumble bees; larval plant host for the Silver Spotted Skipper
Photo: David Korbonits