Longwood Purple American Wisteria

Longwood Purple Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens 'Longwood Purple')

Longwood Purple Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens 'Longwood Purple'), also known as American Wisteria 'Longwood Purple', is a refined native vine prized for its deep purple, fragrant flowers and restrained growth habit. Unlike more aggressive Asian varieties, this selection offers the beauty of wisteria with better control and consistent blooming in summer gardens.

Distinctive Features

This deciduous twining vine typically reaches 15 to 20 feet in length and blooms reliably in early to mid-summer. Its fragrant, pea-like flowers are a rich violet-purple and appear in elongated racemes, adding movement and color to vertical spaces. The plant blooms on new wood, making it a strong performer even in colder climates. Its pinnate green foliage provides texture and softens structural lines throughout the growing season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; water deeply during prolonged dry spells
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Focal point vine for pergolas and trellises
• Native plantings with seasonal floral displays
• Vertical accent in pollinator gardens
• Screening for fences, arbors, or garden structures
• Container use with strong support for smaller spaces

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune in late winter to shape and encourage flowering
• Train early on a durable structure to establish form
• Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive vegetative growth
• Water consistently during establishment and dry periods

Why Choose Longwood Purple Wisteria

• Deep violet-purple blooms with a sweet fragrance
• Native, non-invasive alternative to Asian wisterias
• Blooms reliably on new wood each summer
• Perfect for smaller gardens and tight spaces
• A controlled, striking focal point for vertical design

Longwood Purple Wisteria delivers classic wisteria beauty in a manageable form, making it an ideal focal point for garden structures and native landscapes alike.