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Climber Wall ShrubHerbaceous Perennial

Aristolochia fimbriata

white-veined hardy Dutchman's pipe

An interesting herbaceous perennial which scrambles across the ground or over other plants. It has rounded, heart-shaped green leaves heavily viened in silver. In early summer, it produces tubular pale green flowers with a brown throat and a swollen 'mouth' with a checkered brown pattern and a fringe of long hairs. These smell rather unpleasant to attract flies for pollination, but the resulting seed pods are large, pale brown balloons, which open out into lanterns as they ripen and dry

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Brown Green Yellow Green Grey Silver Green
Autumn Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
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

Plant range
Brazil

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sheltered position. Plant it amongst shrubs where it can scramble, or grow as summer groundcover

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

Get involved

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