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 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H4Botanical 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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