As we welcome the arrival of spring, the garden bursts into life, bringing fresh colour, fragrance, and an undeniable sense of renewal. And what better way to celebrate the start of the season than by introducing the YouGarden 'Plant of the Month' for March to your garden... Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’!
This compact wisteria is a true game-changer for the garden, offering all the spectacular floral beauty of traditional varieties, but with a more manageable size, quicker flowering, and a repeat-blooming nature that sets it apart. If you’ve always dreamed of cascading floral displays but worried about unruly growth, this is the wisteria for you!
Why Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ is a Garden Must-Have
The cascading clusters of lilac-purple blooms emerge from late spring into early summer, creating an enchanting waterfall effect that’s sure to turn heads. What’s more, it often re-blooms in late summer, giving you an extended display of colour and fragrance.
Compact and Versatile, for those Smaller Gardens
If you love the look of traditional wisteria but worry about its vigorous growth taking over, ‘Amethyst Falls’ is the perfect solution. Unlike its larger cousins, which can quickly become overwhelming, this variety is naturally compact and slow-growing, making it ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, and patios.
It’s perfect for growing in pots on the patio, trained up a trellis, or even shaped into a standard form. Whether cascading over a pergola, climbing an archway, or adding height to a garden wall, this wisteria offers all the drama without the high maintenance.
A Bee and Butterfly Magnet
Not only is ‘Amethyst Falls’ a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a magnet for pollinators. Its heavily scented blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a fantastic choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
"Why wait years for wisteria blooms when ‘Amethyst Falls’ gives you a floral waterfall in no time – less patience, more petals!"
Hardy and Low Maintenance
Unlike some more demanding wisteria varieties, ‘Amethyst Falls’ is exceptionally hardy. It tolerates temperatures down to -10C, making it perfect for UK gardens. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant, requires minimal care, and is far less prone to invasive spreading than traditional varieties.
Tempted to grow Wisteria 'Amethyst Falls' yourself? Here is how to plant, grow, and care for it:
Planting
Start by choosing a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-draining soil. Wisteria loves the sun, so aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for the best flowering results.
If planting in the ground, add organic matter to enrich the soil and help with drainage.
For container planting, use a large pot with good-quality free-draining compost.
Watering and Feeding
Water regularly during the first year after planting to help the roots establish. Once settled, wisteria is relatively drought-resistant.
In spring and summer, feed with a balanced fertiliser (such as a general-purpose plant food or slow-release fertiliser) to encourage flowering and healthy foliage.
Pruning
Wisteria is best pruned twice a year to keep it in shape and encourage flowering.
Summer Pruning (July-August): Cut back the long, whippy growths to about five or six leaves from the main framework. This prevents it from getting too unruly and directs energy into flower production.
Winter Pruning (January-February): Shorten these stems further, leaving just two or three buds per shoot to help form strong flowering spurs for the following year.
Caring in Winter
Fully hardy, but if in a pot, it’s a good idea to move it to a sheltered spot in particularly harsh winters to prevent root damage.
Mulch around the base in autumn to help insulate the roots and retain moisture.