Does anyone on this forum grow this vine ... Aristolochia macrophylla - Big Leaf Dutchman's Pipe vine?
What should I expect regarding growth patterns for this vine?
I purchased one this year from Brushwood nursery to plant for the butterfly that uses it for egg laying. First I planted where it got about 6 hours of sun, after hardening it to outside sunlight. The leaves began to burn so decided it needed more shade. Planted it under oaks that provide dappled sunlight and the leaf burning stopped. Then a hail storm hit and mangled the leaves that remained. I noticed this morning it is putting out a new leaf on two vine tips, which I take as a good sign ^_^.
My question is "how fast does this grow"? I saw one person say it grows 18 inches a year, which isn't much for a vine. I'm wondering if they meant 18 ft per year? They reported it dies back each year but returns the following spring. Other growers have reported it is used for privacy screens but at only 18 inches per year growth and it dies back in winter, how could it ever provide any privacy?
My thanks,
Mary
Dutchman's Pipe vine - Aristolochia macrophylla - Big leaf
I've got a lot of A. tomentosa that I've had for years, some of it VERY big, and it grows more like 18' a year than 18" a year.
I ordered and planted some A. macrophylla last year, and it didn't take off, but then I've also planted some A. tomentosa vines that didn't do well. Also, last year my A. macrophyllas didn't have a chance to do well - the pipevine swallowtails chewed the leaves down to the nubs as soon as they'd make new growth. I've only recently gotten a batch of pipevine swallowtail cats this year, and they're on A. tomentosa, so this year the macrophyllas have had a chance to grow, unmolested. They've grown better than last year, but I'd say they're only about ?6'-8' tall, not big for a vine. Maybe they'll get established this year and do better next year. They're in part sun/part shade. Aristolochias are hard to figure!
Sherry
Oh, thanks so much for this information. Now I know, even if it doesn't grow much this season, to expect it will grow more than 18 inches a year in my area.
I'm encouraged by the tiny new leaves and hope it will get settled in, be happy in it's new spot and provide a good home for the butterfly cats.
Mary
Can't help you on how fast the PV grows, but since the PV Swallowtails will eat it down as fast as it grows it won't provide privacy. If you want privacy, I suggest you plant a crossvine with it. It will make a great privacy screen, all year and give beautiful flowers too.
Sheila,
Yes, agree wholeheartedly about the crossvine. I've planted two this year and they are doing beautifully; I'm extremely pleased with these vines.
I wasn't intending to use the PV as a privacy screen; was only repeating what I'd read about this vine and couldn't understand the discrepancy between growing 18 inches a year and using it for a privacy screen.
My PV is intended to be used as food for the PV Swallowtails, if any ever venture my way.
Mary
Good deal, they will appreciate it.