Giant dutchman’s pipe plant (Aristolochia gigantea) produces exotic, oddly shaped blooms mottled with maroon and white spots and orange-yellow throats. The citrus-scented flowers are indeed huge, measuring at least 10 inches (25.5 cm.) in length. The vine is impressive too, reaching lengths of 15 to 20 feet (4.5-6 m.).
Native to Central and South America, giant dutchman’s pipe is a warm climate plant suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. Giant Dutchman’s pipe plant prefers temperatures 60 F. (16 C.) and above and won’t survive if temperatures fall below 30 F. (-1).
Interested in learning how to grow giant Dutchman’s pipe vine? It’s surprisingly easy. Read on for more information on Giant dutchman’s pipe plant.
How to Grow Giant Dutchman’s Pipe
Dutchman’s pipe vine tolerates full sun or partial shade but blooming tends to be more prolific in full sun. The exception is extremely hot climates, where a little afternoon shade is appreciated.
Water Dutchman’s pipe vine deeply whenever the soil looks dry.
Feed giant Dutchman’s pipe plant once a week, using a dilute solution of a water-soluble fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can decrease blooming.
Prune Dutchman’s pipe vine whenever it gets unruly. The vine will rebound, although flowering may be slowed for a short time.
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites. Both are easily treated with insecticidal soap spray.
Swallowtail Butterflies and Dutchman’s Pipe Varieties
Dutchman’s pipe vine attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, including swallowtail pipeline butterflies. However, some sources indicate the tropical giant Dutchman’s pipevine may be toxic for some butterfly species.
If you’re interested in attracting butterflies to your garden, you may want to consider planting the following Dutchman’s pipe alternatives instead:
- Desert pipe vine – suitable for USDA zones 9a and above
- White-veined Dutchman’s pipe – zones 7a to 9b
- California pipe vine – zones 8a to 10b
-
6 Flower Seeds I’m Gifting Everyone I Know This Christmas – To Inspire Their Garden In 2025Give the most meaningful gift of growing this holiday season. Senior Editor Melanie shares her flower seed picks to delight both new and experienced gardeners.
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
-
Aristolochia And Butterflies: Does Dutchman’s Pipe Harm ButterfliesDutchman’s pipe is a vigorous climbing vine. It has many beneficial uses in the garden, but does it harm butterflies? Dutchman’s pipe butterfly toxicity actually depends on the variety. Click here to find out more.
-
Calico Vine Information: Learn How To Grow A Calico VineThe calico vine or flower is a perennial native to Brazil that resembles its relative, the dutchman's pipe, and even commonly shares the name for the shape of its bloom. This climbing vine is a pretty addition to warm-climate gardens. Learn about the plant in this article.
-
Aristolochia Pipevine Plants: Is Growing Darth Vader Flowers PossibleWhile the Internet abounds with pictures and colorful photos of Aristolochia pipevine plants, most people will never have an opportunity to see this rare plant in its natural environment. Learn more about the plant in this article.
-
Collecting Dutchman's Pipe Seed Pods – Growing A Dutchman’s Pipe From SeedsDutchman's pipe (is a perennial vine with heart-shaped leaves and unusual blossoms. The flowers look like small pipes and produce seeds that you can use to grow new plants. If you are interested in starting Dutchman's pipe from seeds, this article can help.
-
Dutchman's Pipe Info: Learn About Growing And Caring For Pipe VinesIf you are looking for a striking plant, try a Dutchman?s pipe. The plant is a woody vine that produces flowers shaped like curved pipes and large heart-shaped leaves. Read this article for more information.
-
Information On Dutchman's Pipe Pruning And When To Prune Dutchman's Pipe VineThe dutchman's pipe plant can be pruned anytime you want to get rid of too many new shoots or old wood. There are also specific times of year to prune, however. This article can help with that.
