Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Dutchman's Pipe

Q. Does the Dutchman's Pipe stay green all year long, in Houston? I know it freezes back in the North. What does it like for growing?

A. It is indeed an evergreen in Houston. Sounds cool, like a lady slipper. This neat little vine deserves more attention. Calico flower is an evergreen vine with very unusual flowers and beautiful heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are rich glossy green, about 3" long by 2" wide and grow closely, creating a dense mass of foliage. Slender woody stems twine gracefully in tight coils around fence wire and other supports to lift the vine to heights of 10 or 12'.

In summer, the vine produces quantities of 3" flowers scattered among the drooping leaves. The flowers are light green and covered with purple brown spots on the flared lips of the blossom in a pattern reminiscent of calico fabric. Because of their unique shape they are sometimes called Dutchman's pipe because they resemble an old fashioned smoking device (recall Sherlock Holme's pipe). The name Dutchman's pipe is more commonly used to describe another species A. durior which is a hardier plant that is native to the Southeast U.S. The "real" Dutchman's pipe has a somewhat less striking pipe-like flower.

Aristolochia species are found all over the world. A. elegans, calico flower, is native to South America, with Brazil being its home territory.

Requires only average soil to look good. Does well in light sandy soils as well.
Light: Part sun to shade.
Moisture: Average moisture. Will endure short periods of drought and still look fresh.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 10. In zone 8 the tops will be killed to the ground in freezing weather but will return in the spring.
Propagation: By layers and by seed. "Volunteer" seedling plants are often found near mature vines.

Because is has such luxuriously dense and attractive foliage, this vine makes a great screen. It is especially good at covering chainlink and other wire fences. It's also nice growing up a trellis on the patio or near an entry where the striking flowers can be seen at eye level by passersby.

Beautiful foliage, unusual flowers, freedom from pests and ease of growth make this a favorite vine. Plus, the flowers make a great conversation piece.

Assistance from Floridata