Organic Dutchman's pipe Seeds (Aristolochia macrophylla)

This is a powerful tree-like deciduous liana, which under favorable conditions can reach 10 meters in length. The plant is valued for its incredibly dense, fast-growing foliage and unusual flowers.

The leaves are heart-shaped, very large, up to 30 cm in length, tightly overlapping each other, creating the effect of a lush "tropical" wall. The flowers are small, of an original curved shape resembling a smoking pipe, yellowish-green with purple-brown markings. They are often hidden under the foliage, but give the plant a special charm. In autumn, unique seed pods resembling cucumbers ripen. It reaches its greatest decorative effect from May to September.

Most often used for vertical gardening, and in the absence of support it can spread along the ground as a groundcover plant.

Zone 4a (from -34°C to -29°C). The plant is frost-resistant throughout Ukraine. Young seedlings are recommended to be covered during the first winter. It grows best in bright sun or partial shade. It tolerates shading. It prefers fertile, loamy soil with the addition of compost or leaf soil. pH 6–8. It does not tolerate drying out of the soil, so during the growth and flowering period it needs regular moisture.

Drought resistance is low. It does not tolerate dry soils; during dry periods it requires additional watering. Growth rate is high. In the first 3–5 years it grows slowly, then annual growth can reach 1–1.5 meters (sometimes up to 2 meters). It is capable of completely entwining a gazebo or trellis in one season.

Features
Decorative-leaf plant. During the fruiting period it forms original pods. Flowering is inconspicuous, but very interesting in shape. Honey plant: it is not a pronounced honey plant, but it attracts pollinating insects and serves as a food plant for the larvae of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. Leaf color is green.

Application:
Vertical gardening of gazebos, arches, fences, walls and trellises. It quickly creates dense shade and privacy. Excellent for decorating unsightly buildings.

Dutchman's pipe is valued for its fast growth and ability to quickly create a dense green screen. Its large, spectacular heart-shaped leaves give the landscape a bold texture, and its climbing form allows the plant to be used to cover unsightly walls or structures. The original flowers of unusual shape add an element of curiosity and interest. The plant is frost-resistant (down to -34°C) and versatile: suitable for sunny and partially shaded places.

Attention! The plant is poisonous. All parts of the plant, including the fruits, are toxic and contain aristolochic acid. Ingestion can cause serious poisoning, up to kidney failure. It is recommended to work with the plant wearing gloves. Do not eat and do not allow contact with children and animals.