Aristolochia clematitis
birthwort
A perennial, to 90cm tall, with creeping, branched rhizomes and heart-shaped mid to dark green leaves on upright, then scandent, stems. Narrow, tubular pale-yellow or yellowish-brown flowers, with pointed, curved upper lips, are produced from late spring to midsummer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Gold Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Gold Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Suckering
- 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
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or part shade; overwinters best in dry soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring or propagate by division in summer or by root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 12; prune after flowering
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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