Wisteria frutescens

Wisteria frutescens, also known as the American or Texas wisteria, is a species slightly less vigorous than its Chinese and Japanese cousins, easier to contain, and better suited to smaller gardens. Flowering a little later in the season, in clusters of purple flowers that are quite short. The spring flowering is abundant, while the late summer re-flowering is more modest. The flowers of this American wisteria are nectar-rich and slightly fragrant. Wisterias quickly and gracefully wrap their long twining stems around trellises, fences, pergolas, and arbours.

Wisteria frutescens is a woody climbing plant belonging to the large family of Fabaceae, just like clover, alfalfa, and lupins. It is native to the moist forests and banks of watercourses in the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Texas, from Florida in the south to New York in the north. Its long stems, limited to a size of half the Chinese Wisteria (about 5-6m (16-20ft)), lignify with age. It is a plant perfectly resistant to cold, not very demanding in terms of soil (although it dislikes excessive active limestone), and is capable of growing in periodically flooded or, conversely, dry soils in summer if they are deep.

The stems of this American wisteria turn counterclockwise around supports. The growth of new shoots is very rapid, around 1 to 2 metres (3 to 7 feet) in the span of one season in moist soil. The main flowering occurs in May-June, just after that of the Asian wisterias, more or less early depending on the climate, on fairly young plants. It develops on almost naked branches located not far from the lignified main stems. The compact flower clusters are about 15-18cm (6-7in) long, where small mauve butterfly-like flowers are tightly packed, spreading a light fragrance in calm weather. They open from the base towards the tip of the cluster. The plant often re-flowers in late summer or autumn if pruned well. The young bronze leaves appear just before flowering and then turn a light green colour. They are 15 to 30cm (6 to 12in) long and divided into 9 to 15 rounded leaflets, giving the foliage a light appearance. The deciduous foliage turns golden yellow in autumn before falling. Very long-lasting, the Texas wisteria can live for more than 50 years.

The wisteria is the epitome of romantic plants. But this queen in the kingdom of climbers will only grow for a few linear metres to showcase its splendour. Less imposing than its cousins, it is still capable of enhancing a facade or any small structure, no matter how modest. This lively plant often outlives the person who planted it. Its Japanese-like silhouette will cover a wall or an unsightly fence. It wraps around a fence or trellis without restraint if allowed to do so and tends to smother nearby plants. It prefers a solitary location, in full sun or partial shade in warm climates. Or associate it with honeysuckles, passionflowers, and clematis. Wisteria frutescens is a variety highly appreciated by bonsai enthusiasts. It easily grows as a small tree, transforming in spring into a fountain of purple clusters.