Why Does My Wisteria Smell Bad?
Introduction:
Wisteria is a beautiful flowering vine that is often used to cover unsightly areas, provide privacy, and give shade. However, some wisteria plants have a bad smell, which can be off-putting to gardeners. In this article, we will explore why wisteria smells bad and what you can do about it.
The Culprit: Amethyst Falls Wisteria
The most common type of wisteria that smells bad is the Amethyst Falls variety. This cultivar is known for its heavy blooms, but unfortunately, these blooms have a strong, unpleasant odor that has been compared to cat urine.
Why Does Amethyst Falls Wisteria Smell Bad?
The exact reason why Amethyst Falls wisteria smells bad is not fully understood. However, some researchers believe that the smell is caused by a chemical compound called geosmin. Geosmin is produced by certain bacteria and fungi, and it is often associated with the smell of wet soil or decaying organic matter.
What Can You Do About a Smelly Wisteria?
If you have an Amethyst Falls wisteria that smells bad, there are a few things you can do:
- Move the plant: If possible, move the wisteria to a further away area of the garden where the smell will be less noticeable.
- Cut back the blooms: You can also try cutting back the blooms on the wisteria. This will reduce the amount of odor produced.
- Remove the plant: If the smell is too strong for you to tolerate, you may need to remove the wisteria plant altogether.
Other Types of Wisteria
Not all wisteria plants smell bad. There are many other varieties of wisteria that have a pleasant fragrance or no smell at all. Some of the most popular non-smelly wisteria varieties include:
- Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
- Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda)
- Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya)
Attracting Hummingbirds to Wisteria
Even though Amethyst Falls wisteria smells bad to humans, hummingbirds are not bothered by the odor. In fact, hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar in wisteria blooms. So, if you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, you can plant a wisteria vine, even if it is the smelly Amethyst Falls variety.
Additional Tips for Dealing with a Smelly Wisteria
- Plant the wisteria in a sunny location: Wisteria plants that are grown in shady areas are more likely to smell bad.
- Water the wisteria regularly: Wisteria plants that are not watered regularly are more likely to stress, which can lead to a stronger odor.
- Fertilize the wisteria: Fertilizing the wisteria plant can help to keep it healthy and reduce the likelihood of it smelling bad.
Conclusion
If you are considering planting a wisteria vine in your garden, be sure to do your research and choose a variety that does not smell bad. If you already have a wisteria plant that smells bad, there are a few things you can do to try to reduce the odor. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of wisteria without having to suffer through the smell.