American Wisteria Amethyst Falls

American Wisteria
Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls'
(wis-TEER-ee-uh) (froo-TESS-enz)
Synonyms: Wisteria macrostachya

You will pretty much never find me recommending Wisteria as I have had a couple nasty bouts with its rampant growth. At one house we have been fighting a Wisteria for several years as it pops up all the time. 'Amethyst Falls' seems to be answer for people who want a Wisteria but don’t want it taking over their garden. The growth rate is about half as fast as the Asian Wisteria selections.

The flowers are quite similar to the ‘regular’ type of Wisteria but they do exude a less than fresh smell. If you like Wisteria and only have a small space or don’t want a lot of work keeping it in check than 'Amethyst Falls' is for you.

I took this next picture near Herald Square in Manhattan. I thought I would post it before the spring.

Japanese Wisteria

Japanese Wisteria
Wisteria floribunda
(wis-TEER-ee-uh)

This is from the Wisteria Tree at the Estate. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone because of the amount of pruning it takes to keep it looking good. When it is blooming it sure is beautiful and worth the work. This is its best year in quite a few for flowers. If you have never seen a Wisteria tree it is simply the vine that has been trained into a tree. It is quite vigorous but doesn’t need a support. I like to buy my Wisterias in flower although I don’t use them very often. I carefully consider where they are planted due to their invasive and rampant growth.

Trailing Calendula
Calendula suffruticosa subsp. maritima 'Skyfire Yellow'
(ka-LEN-dew-luh)

Sea Marigold is a critically endangered species in its native area of Sicily. It really has an intense yellow flower and while it was being sold in the perennial area of the nursery I don’t think it is hardy here. Calendulas are always fun to have in the garden. They are a well behaved and colorful groups of plants.