How to Get Dutchman's-Pipe to Bloom

A fast-growing perennial vine, Dutchman's-pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) quickly covers its supporting structure and sometimes adjacent structures. The vine can reach 30 feet in length under ideal conditions, but may be pruned to contain its size. The mahogany-and-cream, 2-inch-long flowers resemble Dutch meerschaum pipes, but they are not the main attraction of this vigorous vine. Dutchman's-pipe is primarily grown for its dark-green, heart-shaped leaves that are 6 to 10 inches long. Although the vine grows well in partial shade, for the most flowers, grow it in full sun with some shade during late afternoon.

Trellis or other supporting structure
Garden trowel
Watering can
Compost
10-15-10 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a spot in full sun with some protection from the late afternoon sun. The soil can be of average fertility, but it must be well draining.
- 2
  Erect a sturdy trellis at least 8 feet high.
- 3
  Plant Dutchman's-pipe about 6 to 8 inches away from the trellis. Dig a hole with a garden trowel that is slightly larger than the root ball. Slip the roots into the hole, and firm the soil around the root ball. Water the transplant well.
- 4
  Spread about 1 inch of garden compost in an 18-inch ring on the soil around the planting site. This will both mulch the soil and provide nutrients to the vine.
- 5
  Fertilize beginning the first spring after initially planting Dutchman's-pipe. Use slow-release, granulated fertilizer such as 10-15-10, which will help the plant produce more flowers.

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