This North American native vine boasts abundant clusters of pale lilac-purple flowers. Though it is not as fragrant as Asian wisterias, it is easier to control because it doesn’t send out long root suckers. American wisteria blooms later, from June to August, so its blossoms are less prone to being killed by a late frost. It can grow to 30 feet or more when trained to climb over an arbor, pergola, or wall. It can also be trained into a small tree or standard. ‘Nivea’ is a white-flowered form.
CareProvide well-drained soil in full sun. It may take a plant several years to become established enough to flower. Restricting its roots may encourage better blooming. American wisteria grows as far south as Florida. It blooms on current season's growth, and should be pruned soon after blooming and then again in the fall.
ProblemsDieback, crown gall, leaf spots, virus diseases, Japanese beetles, aphids, leaf miners, scale insects, and mealybugs.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Lee Valley Garden Obelisks
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer with Brass Swivel
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Built-in metal filter gaskets can prevent sediment and other larger particles
- Through the Sprinkler Timer program, you can set the start time, watering duration, and watering frequency
D&X Garden Sprinkler
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- 12 flexible nozzles that you can set in any direction, simply bend hoses to customize new watering patterns - 360 degree coverage of 3000 sq. ft area
- 3.5 x 4 x 6 inches
- Genus : Wisteria
- Plant Height : 30 feet or more
- Plant Width : 30 feet or more
- Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Foliage
- Light : Full Sun
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Bloom Time : Summer
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
- Plant Type : Vines
- Flower Color : White
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
