Wisteria frutescens

American wisteria, Wisteria frutescens, is a deciduous climbing vine native to the stream banks and forests of the southeastern American states, including Virginia, Iowa and New York. Wisteria frutescens is less vigorous than its counterparts, Chinese and Japanese wisteria, with shorter racemes of unscented flowers. That's not to say it's a small climber – it's still capable of clothing walls, fences and other supports in beautiful foliage and flowers.

For best results, grow Wisteria frutescens in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. It establishes faster than most wisterias and may flower within a few years.

• How to grow wisteria