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Wisteria frutescens (American Wisteria)

American Wisteria, Texas Wisteria, Kentucky Wisteria, Kraunhia frutescens, Kraunhia macrostachya, Wisteria frutescens var. macrostachya, Wisteria macrostachya

Wisteria frutescens, American Wisteria,  Texas Wisteria, Kentucky Wisteria, Kraunhia frutescens, Kraunhia macrostachya, Wisteria frutescens var. macrostachya, Wisteria macrostachya

A lovely, aromatic Wisteria, Wisteria frutescens (American Wisteria) is a strong-growing climber with twining stems of great beauty. It produces masses of large drooping clusters, 6 in. long (15 cm), packed with fragrant, pea-like, lilac-purple flowers tipped. Blooming from the base of each cluster to the tip, they appear in late spring or early summer after the leaves emerge. The flowers are followed by attractive, bean-like pods, 5 in. long (12 cm), which ripen in summer and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the dense foliage of shiny, dark green, pinnate leaves which consist of 9-15 lance-shaped leaflets. American Wisteria is less aggressive and less damaging to buildings than Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) or Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria).

  • Grows vigorously up to 15-30 ft. tall (4-9 m) and 4-8 ft. wide (120-240 cm). It climbs by twining counterclockwise (from right to left around the axis).
  • Thrives in full sun, in moderately fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates seasonal flooding.
  • Can be grown against a house wall, arbors, pergolas, trellises, fences. It must be sited and trained on sturdy structures which will be able to support the heavy weight of the mature Wisteria. Grow this plant around patios where the flowers can be enjoyed.
  • Susceptible to foliage-chewing insects and fungal diseases, but none are significant. Deer resistant
  • Needs regular pruning in order to control size and shape of the plant and to promote flowering.
  • Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings.
  • Plants dislike being transplanted.
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to the Eastern United States.

Wisteria: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Want to learn how to grow and care for wisteria like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of this striking plant

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Plant Type Climbers
Plant Family Leguminosae
Genus Wisteria
Common names American Wisteria, Wisteria
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height 15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m)
Spread 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Midwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria)
Wisteria floribunda ‘Lawrence’ (Japanese Wisteria)
Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Murasaki-Kapitan’ (Silky Wisteria)
Wisteria floribunda ‘Geisha’ (Japanese Wisteria)
Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Shiro-Kapitan’ (Silky Wisteria)
Wisteria floribunda ‘Royal Purple’ (Japanese Wisteria)

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Wisteria with Attractive Fall Foliage
Wisteria with Remarkable Flower Colors
Best Wisteria for Pergolas
Best Wisteria for Walls
Wisteria: Plant Care and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Plant Type Climbers
Plant Family Leguminosae
Genus Wisteria
Common names American Wisteria, Wisteria
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height 15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m)
Spread 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Midwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Wisteria
Guides with
Wisteria
Not sure which Wisteria to pick?
Compare Now

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