Aristolochia durior
Grown primarily for it beautiful, heart-shaped, big, dark green leaves, 15 - 25 cm wide but it does also have small, 5 cm Mahogany & cream blooms (like a Meerschaum pipe) in late spring. Withstands urban pollution, is rarely bothered by diseases or insects and creates a dense shade. Rapid growth once established so it needs a strong support.
Flowering period
Planting period
About this plant
Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia
Dutchman's pipes (Aristolochia) form a large genus of mostly twining climbers found in the Americas, Europe and Asia. They are grown above all for their lush, heart-shaped leaves, which quickly cover a support, and for their curious tubular flowers without petals, shaped like a small pipe.
Aristolochia durior
Aristolochia durior, also known as Aristolochia macrophylla, comes from moist woods and stream banks in eastern North America. This deciduous, woody twining climber grows to around 8 m and bears very large, glossy, deep green leaves. Its small yellow-green, pipe-shaped flowers with dark brown-purple lips appear in June and July but stay largely hidden in the foliage.
Location and soil
Plant in sun that is not too hot or in partial shade, in a rich, moist, well-drained soil that is not too chalky. It does not tolerate drying out. This species is hardy and comes through Belgian winters without protection; it drops its leaves in autumn.
Pruning and care
Water generously in dry periods and add compost in spring. Prune only to control its vigour: in late winter (February to March) thin out dead or weak stems and shorten the remaining growth. Provide a sturdy trellis or wires from the start.
Use in the garden
A single plant can cover a wall, fence or pergola of several square metres, forming a dense green screen or welcome shade from May to November. Also useful to fill out a bare climber or to grow into a large tree at a woodland edge. Toxic if eaten.
Characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Aristolochiaceae |
| Genus | Aristolochia |
| Species | durior |
Flowering
| Flowering period | june, july |
| Colour (flower) | yellow, brown |
Foliage
| Evergreen | no |
| Colour (foliage) | green |
Growth habit
| Height | 300 cm, 500 cm |
Location
| Winter hardiness | -35 °C |
| Soil type | kalkrijk |
| Location | sun, half shade |
| Soil moisture | moist, normal |
Use
| Type (use) | climbing |