About
Aristolochia kaempferi is a noteworthy herbaceous vine characterized by its elongated, heart-shaped leaves that are yellow-green in hue. During early summer, it bears tubular flowers that are yellow with dark brown margins. The flowers emit a strong odor designed to attract flies for pollination. Following this, the plant develops brown, barrel-shaped seed pods featuring longitudinal ribs. As they mature and dry, these pods expand into a lantern-like structure.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Climbing, Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
- 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 deep, well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sheltered position. Train up nearby shrubs or up support
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free