Plant guide
Non-invasive wisteria
Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (W. floribunda) are beautiful, but they're extremely aggressive. They can climb into trees, pull down structures, and spread into woodlands. Both are considered invasive in parts of the eastern United States, and they often take many years to bloom.
North American wisterias are much better garden plants. They grow more slowly and stay easier to manage, and they bloom when young, often the first or second year. Amethyst Falls and Blue Moon are two of the best.
Gartenmeister® plants in this guide (2)
Amethyst Falls Wisteria
Photo coming soonBlue Moon Wisteria
Amethyst Falls vs. Blue Moon
| Amethyst Falls | Blue Moon | |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls' | Wisteria macrostachya 'Blue Moon' |
| Native range | Southeastern U.S. | Central & south-central U.S. |
| USDA zones | 5-9 | 4-9 |
| Bloom | Lavender-purple, late spring with summer repeat | Fragrant lavender-blue, early summer; may rebloom |
| Size | 15-25 ft (vine) | 15-25 ft (vine) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade | Full sun |
| Invasive? | No | No |
Tips for success
Support
Give it a sturdy trellis, arbor, pergola or fence. Even the non-invasive types are woody vines that get heavy over time.
Pruning
They bloom on this season's growth. In late winter, cut side shoots back to 2 or 3 buds. In summer, after flowering, trim long runners.
Feeding
Go easy on fertilizer. Too much nitrogen, including lawn-fertilizer runoff, means lots of leaves and few flowers.
Safety
Wisteria seeds and pods are toxic if eaten. Keep them away from children and pets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amethyst Falls wisteria invasive?
No. Amethyst Falls is Wisteria frutescens, American wisteria, which is native to the southeastern United States. It's much less aggressive than Asian wisteria.
Amethyst Falls vs. Blue Moon: what's the difference?
Amethyst Falls blooms in late spring with a summer repeat and is hardy in zones 5 to 9. Blue Moon (W. macrostachya) has fragrant lavender-blue flowers in early summer, may rebloom, and is hardy to zone 4, so it's the better choice for cold climates.
How long does it take Amethyst Falls wisteria to bloom?
It often blooms the first or second year after planting, much sooner than Chinese or Japanese wisteria.
How big does American wisteria get?
Both grow about 15 to 25 feet on a support.
Is wisteria poisonous to dogs?
Yes. Wisteria seeds and pods are toxic to pets and people if eaten.