Aristolochia gigantea
“Brazilian Dutchman’s Pipe”

Bizarre, fascinating, provocative and maybe even a little scary “Brazilian Dutchman’s Pipe” delivers one of the most amazing blooms in the plant world. Abundant, flat-faced petal-less flowers, backed with a bulbous lime-green “pipe” ARE 8”-12” LONG and ACROSS! Velvety burgundy with netted ivory veins and a golden yellow throat, the blooms appear from July to Fall. Pollinated by flies which are cleverly captured in the “pipe”, this Aristolochia is not considered malodorous like others – the aroma is most often described as smelling like “Lemon Pledge”. A fast growing vine to 15’-20’ with heart-shaped leaves, it remains evergreen in frost-free zones 10a and above. Native to Central and South America it’s also a host plant for the Polydamas Swallowtail butterfly found in S. Texas, peninsular Florida, northern Kentucky and Missouri. There is currently a debate about whether it’s toxic for Pipevine Swallowtail larvae, so we’ll say its best grown in a greenhouse outside of the above areas. Thrives in rich soil with an annual side dress of compost for most spectacular bloom show. Hardy to 30°F. Deer resistant.