Aristolochia sempervirens
birthwort
An evergreen woody climber with glossy, elongated heart-shaped leaves. The flowers, up to 4cm in length, are tubular and curved. Their interior is golden and hairy with a dark red lip and paler, red-veined exterior. It flowers for a long period from early spring through summer. Pollination is achieved by temporarily trapping small insects. May reach 5m in height
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Gold Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Gold Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Aristolochia can be shrubs or herbaceous perennials, many climbing, usually with heart-shaped or ovate leaves. Distinctive flowers have an S-shaped calyx tube and no petals, and are may be white, yellow, brown or maroon, often mottled
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in thin chalky conditions and is drought tolerant. Requires sun or semi-shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
May be cut back to 2 or 3 nodes in spring if necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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