Wisteria frutescens 'AMETHYST FALLS' (PBR)

American wisteria is quite different from its Asian relatives in many aspects. It grows smaller and more compact, produces shorter flower racemes and does well in soils that tend to get waterlogged sometimes. Amethyst Falls is a new variety of American wisteria, discovered by Lisa Head in the USA. Since its launch it has been receiving all sorts of medals, deservingly. It is protected by European plant breeders rights EU 13434.

Amethyst Falls is a fantastic dwarf wisteria with lovely flowers of bright lavender-violet colour, borne in short racemes that are some 10 cm long. Their fragrance is faint, not similar to the Asian ones at all. They come out in late May and last for as long as one month, and repeat flowering again in mid or late summer. Deciduous leaves are fresh green, pinnate. Even though this one is classified as dwarf it is still a short vine and needs at least some support. As it ages its framework of inner branches hardens up and will hold the plant on its own, but it will take some time.

It likes acid, reasonably fertile soil that is constantly moist. No fertilizing recommended. Grow it in full sun for profuse flowering. Already one year old plants set flowers. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 23-02-2012