Aristolochia gigantea
giant Dutchman's pipe
A vigorous, evergreen twining climber with heart-shaped leaves 5-10cm long. The flowers are up to 30 cm deep, a dark, reddish-purple with intricate cream mottling, and an unpleasant smell
Synonyms
Aristolochia clypetalaSize
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Cream Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- 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
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in loamless potting compost in bright filtered light. During the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water more sparingly in winter. Requires strong support
Propagation
Root softwood cuttings in early spring. Propagate by seed at 21-24°C (70-75°F) as soon as ripe or in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Pests
Generally trouble free
Diseases
Generally trouble free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.