About
Aristolochia gigantea is a robust, evergreen climbing plant characterized by its heart-shaped leaves measuring between 5 and 10 cm in length. The flowers can reach depths of up to 30 cm, featuring a dark reddish-purple hue adorned with complex cream mottling, and they emit a notably unpleasant odor.
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
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Sub-tropical
- Native to
- Brazil
- 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. Requires strong support
- Pruning
- Pruning group 11
- Propagation
- Root softwood cuttings in early spring. Propagate by seed at 21-24°C (70-75°F) as soon as ripe or in spring
- 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