Aristolochia kaempferi

Climber Wall Shrub Herbaceous Perennial

An interesting herbaceous climber with long heart-shaped yellow-green leaves. In early summer, it produces yellow tubular flowers with a dark brown lips. They smell rather unpleasant to attract flies for pollination but the resulting seed pods are brown and barrel-shaped, with ribs along their length. These open out into lanterns as they ripen and dry

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Aristolochiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing, Trailing
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sheltered position. Train up nearby shrubs or up support

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free