Aristolochia gigantea, commonly called Brazilian Dutchman’s pipe or giant pelican flower, is a fast growing woody evergreen twining climber of the birthwort family that produces in early summer unusually large apetalous flowers each having a pouch to 2’ long and 1’ across. Flowers are burgundy velvet netted with distinctive ivory white veins. Flowers purportedly resemble a Dutchman’s pipe, albeit a very large one. Flowers bloom summer to winter in their native territory. This vine will typically grow to 15-20’ long. Vines are clad with light green leaves to 6” long. Flowers are followed by papery capsules containing many seeds. This species is native to humid forested areas from Costa Rica and Panama to Brazil.
Duckflower Care
Aristolochia Grandiflora
What is the plant
humidity
Normal
lighting
Part sun and part shade
temperature
min -1°C
hardiness zone
10 - 12
difficulty
Medium
hibernation
Cold Period
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely when caring for pipe vines in containers. Plants in the ground will also need supplemental watering.
Pruning
Moreover, if you wish to maintain a tidy display, you may have to prune a mature Dutchman's pipe with some regularity. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring. Being vigorous (once established), it responds well to pruning, so don't be afraid to trim it.
Fertilizer
During the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water more sparingly in winter
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Sunlight
Plant it in full sun to partial shade (but flowering may be better in full sun) and in soil with good drainage.
Soil
soil with good drainage
Temperature
The plant is not frost hardy, but will remain an evergreen vine in warmer climates.
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Popularity
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