Aristolochia macrophylla
Dutchman's Pipe, Pipe vine
Also known as Aristolochia durior, Isotrema macrophylla
- Height × spread
- 6m × 6m
- Position
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This vigorous climber has a tropical feel with its large heart or kidney shaped foliage. The leaves are rough to the touch, light green and downy on their underside. They take on yellow autumn colour. It flowers in early summer, though the blooms can be hidden by the large leaves. They are yellow green with purple brown tinting at the petal edges. This plant is poisonous to horses so be careful where you site it. This is best in a sheltered shady site in organic rich soil that never gets too dry. The climber will cover 6m (20ft) in both height and spread within 10 years.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Green, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 6m
- Spread
- 6m
- Height in 10 years
- 3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Wall cover
- Walls
- North, West facing
- Hazards
- Yes, plant with caution; Humans: CAUTION toxic if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter - late · Planting
Prune to maintain the plant
Remove and dead or damaged branches or any growth that looks very untidy. Trim the plant back if necessary to keep it within bounds.