About
Aristolochia chilensis is a semi-hardy, evergreen vine that can reach heights of 6 meters. Its leaves are shaped like boomerangs and feature a marbled pattern of green and silver. During the summer, it produces tubular, curved flowers that can measure up to 15 centimeters tall. These flowers have rounded tops that are covered with white hairs and are arranged along the stems. They emit a strong odor to attract pollinators.
About the genus
Aristolochia includes both shrubs and herbaceous perennials, with many species exhibiting climbing habits. The leaves are typically heart-shaped or ovate. The flowers are characterized by an S-shaped calyx tube and lack petals, presenting in colors such as white, yellow, brown, or maroon, often featuring mottled patterns.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Chile
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass grow in peat-free potting compost in bright filtered light. During the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water more sparingly in winter
- Pruning
- May be cut back to 2 or 3 nodes in spring if necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility