Wisteria vines are famed for their stunning, cascading purple blooms in spring. But did you know these gorgeous climbers are also highly fragrant? The scent of wisteria is one of its most delightful features for gardens. Let’s take a closer look at wisteria fragrance and which varieties have the best aroma.
The Divine Scent of Wisteria Blossoms
Wisterias produce their flowers in early to mid spring, depending on the species and variety. When those foot-long racemes of blooms emerge, they release an intoxicating fragrance into the garden.
So what does wisteria smell like? Most wisteria varieties exude a sweet, heady floral scent reminiscent of grapes or wine. The exact aroma can range from light and airy to rich and intense.
Some species, like Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) are said to have a deeper, more musky or earthy scent. But no matter the nuances the fragrance of wisteria flowers is sure to delight your senses!
In general, wisteria aroma is strongest in the morning and evening when the blossoms are most open. On warm, breezy days, you may catch whiffs of the scent lingering around your yard. Drink in this floral perfume while the blooms last!
Fragrant Wisteria Varieties to Grow
While all wisterias are scented, some varieties and species are more powerfully aromatic than others. Here are some top picks for the most fragrant types
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Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) – Most cultivars like ‘Longissima’ have a rich, heady fragrance.
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Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) – Features a deep, musky scent. ‘Alba’ has lightly fragrant white blooms.
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Silky wisteria (Wisteria brachybotrys) – Its purple blooms have an extremely strong, sweet perfume.
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American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) – Native species with racemes of deliciously scented flowers.
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‘Amethyst Falls’ – A variety of American wisteria with highly fragrant lavender-blue blooms.
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‘Blue Moon’ – Cultivar with aromatic clusters of light blue flowers.
So take your pick from these delightfully fragrant options! Plant one or more near patios, walkways, and entryways so you can fully enjoy their magical scent.
Caring for Wisteria Vines
To keep your scented wisterias thriving and flowering, provide the vines with proper care and growing conditions:
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Plant in full sun for the heaviest flowering. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is best.
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Choose a sheltered spot protected from strong winds, which can damage the bloom clusters.
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Grow over sturdy structures like pergolas, arbors, and fences. Non-fragrant male vines can support female flowering vines.
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Water 1-2 times per week in summer and during droughts. Too much moisture can hinder flowering.
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Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release bloom booster or rose fertilizer to encourage abundant flowers.
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Prune aggressively in winter to promote prolific flowering on vigorous shoots.
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Some varieties may need periodic pruning during the growing season to manage size and shape.
With the right location and care, your sweetly scented wisterias will flourish, perfume, and thrill for decades to come.
Enjoying Wisteria Fragrance in Your Garden
Here are some tips for highlighting wisteria scent in your landscape:
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Grow wisteria on an entryway arbor so you’ll be greeted by its perfume whenever you come home.
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Plant multiple fragrant varieties along fences to alternate bloom times and extend the season of enjoyment.
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Situate wisteria on a trellis outside of frequently-used patio doors where you can appreciate the aroma as you pass in and out.
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Include blooming wisteria on a pergola over a seating area to immerse yourself in its heady fragrance.
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Train vines up lamp posts or columns flanking a sidewalk or pathway so you’ll walk through gorgeous walls of sweet scent.
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Grow in containers on decks and patios for up-close enjoyment of these aromatic bloomers.
Take advantage of wisteria’s fabulous fragrance by planting it where you’ll brush against the vines or pass near the flowers. Let this classic beauty delight your nose as well as your eyes!
The Allure of Scented Wisteria Vines
Wisterias dazzle the eye every spring with their pendulous racemes in shades of purple, pink, white, blue, and more. But the magic doesn’t stop there. When wisteria bloom time arrives, a sweet, intoxicating scent permeates the air.
These fabulous vines provide a feast for the senses. Their nostalgic floral aroma evokes feelings of joy and anticipation for the season ahead. Make sure to include one of these heavenly scented varieties to enhance your landscape:
- Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda)
- Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
- Silky wisteria (Wisteria brachybotrys)
- American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)
With the right growing conditions, wisterias will blossom prolifically and share their divine fragrance for years to come. Let their beautiful blooms and sweet perfume transport you to a blissful spring garden paradise.
Help, My Wisteria Stinks!
Now that you know why your wisteria smells bad, you probably want to know what you can do to fix it. Some gardeners think that the smell might be caused by an imbalance in the pH levels, but the truth is that “Amethyst Falls” just smells like cat urine.
The good news is that the plant only stinks when it blooms, not when its leaves are dirty. A wisteria that smells bad should either be lived with during the short time it blooms, moved to a different part of the garden, or taken out.
Another bonus regarding ‘Amethyst Falls’ is it is great for attracting hummingbirds. Also, hummingbirds don’t have a strong sense of smell, so the smell of the flowers doesn’t bother them at all.
Why Does My Wisteria Smell Bad?
Flowering vines are very popular because they look nice, can hide unsightly spots, give privacy, and block the sun. A commonly planted vine that encompasses all these attributes is the wisteria.
Wisteria vines often have the bad reputation of monopolizing a garden space. This is true of Chinese and Japanese varieties, so many gardeners opt for ‘Amethyst Falls’ wisteria. This type can be trained to grow on a trellis or arbor more easily, and it blooms heavily a few times a season.
Even though there is a lot of information about this cultivar, one small thing is often left out, whether on purpose or not. What’s this big secret? “Amethyst Falls” may be a beautiful cultivar, but it’s the one that makes wisteria smell bad. It’s true – this cultivar of wisteria smells like cat pee.
The Beautiful and Deadly Wisteria – An Amazing Plant!
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