Dutchman's Pipe
Aristolochia Durior

Native to the southeastern U.S.
Hardy to Zone 5
Bloom Time - Spring (May)
Foliage - Deciduous, large 4"-10" leaves, heart-shaped
Flower - 1 1/2", greenish yellow, pipe-shaped, appear underneath leaves
Size - Climbs to 30 feet
Exposure - Full sun to partial shade
Growth rate - Fast

Culture - Grows well in average well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Strong support needed. The vine can be cut back in late winter or early spring.

Comments - The word Aristolochia comes from the Greek - Aristos for "best" and lochia for "delivery." This refers to an ancient belief that the plants aided women in childbirth because the flowers resembled a human fetus in the womb. The flowers are pipe-shaped and appear in spring and are greenish-yellow in color (you can see a photo of the flower here). Located underneath the foliage, they are hardly noticeable. Indeed, the large 8-10 inch heart-shaped leaves are the standout feature on this vine.

This is a fast-growing deciduous vine and can easily attain 20-30 ft. in distance in one season. The twining vine is often used on porches and gazebos where shade is needed. It will thrive in ordinary well-drained soil in either sun or partial shade. A strong structure is needed to support it. It can be cut back in late winter or early spring. If there is a negative factor about Dutchman's Pipe, it would be a tendency to spread. Roots will spread vigorously and you will find leaves popping up along the ground in areas where you might not want it. They are easy to pull up (although the roots are not) so this might be an ongoing task.

Another interesting fact about Aristolochia (all types) is that it is host to the Pipevine Swallowtail, a beautiful black and blue butterfly. Plant this vine if you want lots of these butterflies in your garden in late summer.

Back to Vines