Aristolochia californica

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Climber Wall Shrub
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A woody, deciduous climber that is not reliably hardy in the UK, with heart-shaped mid-green leaves. Cream and burgundy flowers, about 2-3cm long, are produced in winter and spring, followed by winged, green seed capsules

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Aristolochiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Aristolochia can be shrubs or herbaceous perennials, many climbing, usually with heart-shaped or ovate leaves. Distinctive flowers have an S-shaped calyx tube and no petals, and are may be white, yellow, brown or maroon, often mottled
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
California

How to Grow

Cultivation

Can be trained to climb a trellis or structure. Requires shade and ideally a frost-free environment

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Climber and wall shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required. If pruning is necessary to restrict to allocated space, then prune in winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility