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
Buy 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
- 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
- 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 pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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.