What's your question? Ask

Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!
  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    June 22, 2015
    A.

    Ah, it sounds like you have an American wisteria, likely the 'Amethyst Falls' variety, which unfortunately has a disagreeable odor like that of cat urine - normal for this wisteria. There is little you can do about this since it's normal, though pruning out the flowers or masking the scent with other 'nice-smelling' plantings may help alleviate the problem. Wish I could be more helpful.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    May 20, 2016
    A.

    I think your vine is likely stressed and may be showing some signs of watering issues.

    Make sure you are watering deeply, once or even twice a week with a slow trickle.
    Check to make sure the soil is well draining and that the roots are moist, but not soggy.
    Here are some links to refresh you on the care requirements.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/growing-wisteria-proper-wisteria-vine-care.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/wisteria-diseases.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    February 27, 2017
    A.

    Amethyst Falls is the most common variety of Wisteria sold in American greenhouses.
    This is a common complaint about this plant, though not everyone can smell it.
    Many people report 'no smell' and others say 'it smells like roses'.

    There is nothing that can be done to change the smell of the plant.
    Enjoy from a distance!

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    June 27, 2019
    A.

    Many plants can produce an aroma like cat pee - juniper tams are known for it as are certain species of boxwood. And apparently Amethyst Falls wisteria, too!! Some people are more sensitive to this odor than others.
    Chinese and Japanese wisteria have pleasant scents - the American ones are described as 'musk' scented.
    The garden center may let you return you plant and choose something else.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/fragrant-garden-plants.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer
  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    July 5, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I would just get an annual and then keep it mulched over winter. These vines are vigorous growers and probably don't need competition from other plants for nutrients.

    I would add some million bells or petunias for the rest of the summer.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/american-wisteria-plants.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
    Add Answer

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

Learn More

OK
X
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!