Aristolochia sempervirens
birthwort
An evergreen woody climber with glossy, elongated heart-shaped leaves. The flowers, up to 4cm in length, are tubular and curved. Their interior is golden and hairy with a dark red lip and paler, red-veined exterior. It flowers for a long period from early spring through summer. Pollination is achieved by temporarily trapping small insects. May reach 5m in height
Synonyms
Aristolochia altissimaBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Gold Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Gold Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
- S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in thin chalky conditions and is drought tolerant. Requires sun or semi-shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
May be cut back to 2 or 3 nodes in spring if necessary
Pests
Generally trouble-free
Diseases
Generally trouble-free
Get involved
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