Giant Dutchman's Pipe
Aristolochia gigantea
Also known as
Giant Pelican Flower, Pipevine, Pipe Vine, Snakeroot
Aristolochia gigantea III by Dianakc (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
H1b
RHS hardiness
10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
12m | Max | 5m |
2m | Min | 1m |
7 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images of Giant Dutchman's Pipe
Giant Dutchman's Pipe Overview
Aristolochia gigantea is a quick-growing, evergreen vine species from the Aristolochiaceae family. Commonly known by the names Giant Dutchman's Pipe or Brazilian Dutchman's Pipe, after the large size and origin. Aside from its decorative qualities, owing to its large, heart-shaped leaves and dense growth, leaves grow to between 5-10cm in length. The interesting flowers are unpleasantly scented and large, reaching around 30cm. They are coloured deep red-purple, with attractive cream patterning. This plant is easily confused for some of the other species in this genus by the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly, Battus philenor. This insect may try to lay its eggs on this plant, thinking it is one of its host plants, however the foliage is toxic to their larvae and they will not survive. This species has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
How to harvest Giant Dutchman's Pipe
Seed pods can be harvested when they are ripe.
How to propagate Giant Dutchman's Pipe
Cuttings
Take softwood cuttings in spring, root in water. Change the water regulalry to prevent bacterial build-up, transplant the stem to soil when it has a thick clump of roots.
Seed
Harvest the seedpods after they have dried on the vine. Sow them indoors in seed flats and transplant outdoors after the soil has warmed to at least 15 degrees Celsius.
Special features of Giant Dutchman's Pipe
Attracts useful insects
Attracts the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly.
Attractive flowers
Flowers are yellowish-green, with patterned, red to brown-purple lobes.
Other uses of Giant Dutchman's Pipe
Grown for their foliage and flowers.