About
Aristolochia clematitis is a perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 90 cm. It features creeping, branched rhizomes and heart-shaped leaves that range from mid to dark green, supported by upright stems that may eventually climb. From late spring through midsummer, it produces narrow, tubular flowers that are pale yellow or yellowish-brown, characterized by pointed and curved upper lips.
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
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
- Native to
- Europe
- 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
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or part shade; overwinters best in dry soils
- Pruning
- Pruning group 12; prune after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in spring or propagate by division in summer or by root cuttings in winter
- 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