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April 21st, 2010
Aristolochia fimbriata

Dutchmans pipe vine
2010-04-21. Dutchman’s pipe vine.

Dutchman’s Pipe Vine

Finding little treasures in the garden brings the same childlike delight as finding candy on an Easter egg hunt. There I am down on my hands and knees when under a leaf I discover my treasure.

The Dutchman’s pipe vine is a passalong. The original plant died but it sowed itself through the holes of a brick where I can’t move it. Swallowtail caterpillars munch it back when it’s about to bloom. And somehow, this Zone 9 tropical survived our 3 day hard freeze to come back bigger and better than ever.

Dutchmans pipe vine
2009-09-10. Dutchman’s pipe vine.

Dutchmans pipe vine
Seeds and seedpods of Dutchman’s pipe vine.

by M Sinclair Stevens

9 Responses to post “Aristolochia fimbriata”

  1. From Lori:
    April 21st, 2010

    I planted Dutchman’s Pipe Vine last year, and I’m pretty sure I haven’t killed it yet. I’ll have to check for flowers!

  2. From Annie in Austin:
    April 21st, 2010

    The Dutchman’s Pipe is quite fun and quirky looking – glad it survived for you, MSS, even though it planted itself in an inconvenient place!

    There must be more than one kind if this is Zone 9… a species that would live in Zone 5 was on my “grow this someday” list in IL.

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

  3. From Kat in Cali:
    April 22nd, 2010

    Your photo lets me see it the way a pollinator might. Fascinating!

  4. From Jenny Austin:
    April 22nd, 2010

    These little surprises are what make gardening such a wonderful pastime. I would be so excited to find this precious little plant. That little seed must have been protected by being in the hole in the brick, just as 3 tomato seeds which have germinated in my gravel.

  5. From Linda Lehmusvirta Austin:
    April 23rd, 2010

    Great pictures! And thanks for reminding me that this one is on my list. Great plant for butterflies, and as you note, very hardy!

  6. From Cindy, MCOK:
    April 27th, 2010

    I love that first picture! I haven’t seen blooms on mine but the vine is slowly creeping through the bed it’s in.

    It’s hard to see the flowers because they’re hidden under the leaves. You have to get down and search for them. For that reason, I think it would make a better hanging-basket plant. — mss

  7. From Window On The Prairie:
    April 29th, 2010

    Never seen anything like it. How facinating!
    Suzanne

  8. From Carol, May Dreams Gardens:
    April 29th, 2010

    That is very fun looking. The resiliency of plants is amazing.

  9. From Katina Austin:
    April 29th, 2010

    Wow, I can’t believe it made it through the freezes.

    It died to the ground but came back more vigorous than ever. It’s really enjoyed the cool, rainy spring. — mss