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vines in garden > other plants > Aristolochia durior
A vigorous climber growing up to 10m tall (1-2m of annual growth). Strikingly large, heart-shaped leaves of up to 30 cm in length are its main attraction. It has highly unusual, small (2-4 cm) flowers that are shaped like a small pipe appearing in May-June. You may have to look hard to find them, however, as they are usually concealed under the leaves. Dutchman's Pipe is a long-lived shrub that tolerates well urban conditions. It is best planted in half-shade, but will also grow well in shade. It requires soil that is fertile but not too heavy, and moderately moist; and prefers lime and neutral soils to acidic ones. It doesn't like windy positions and in sunny and dry sites it's frequently attacked by spiders.
After transplanting to its permanent position the plant will need two years to settle and begin vigorous growth. During this period it should be pruned to promote spreading. In following years it only requires occasional pruning when it has spread out too much. In such case you can cut it back hard as it grows back readily. Aristolochia quickly produces a dense mass of greenery, so it needs a solid support. It may be trained into old trees, living or withered, to create bewitching crowns by entwining round the branches and the trunk. Large leaves overlap forming a green screen so thick as almost no other plant, tightly covering fences, pergolas or arbors and giving deep shade. Dutchman's Pipe stays ornamental through winter adorning the garden with its attractive leafless green stems.
As a vigorous climber, Aristolochia requires annual feeding and intensive watering, especially during hot summers.
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