Dutchman's Pipe Vine

[greenthumbnails]

Has anyone here tried growing Dutchman's pipe vine ?
I searched on Dave's garden website and learned that they can smell like rotten flesh, and the pattern kinda looks like varicose veins.  I saw a striking specimen adorning a wire fence at my local Leu Gardens and have been interested in this unusual plant for some time.  Ordered one plantling online from a private grower in Florida and am patiently waiting for it to grow.  I think the one I ordered was specifically labelled as "lemony smelling"...no rotting flesh odor here I hope.

[Jerry]

Ask Mike W.   As I recall he grew a pip!

[MikeW]

I have two different types growing - but would have to check on the exact names of each. Neither has any smell at all, that I've noticed, and I think I would have by now, no matter how unconnected, and head in the clouds I can be wandering around at times.

Very unusual looking - always gets a comment from visitors.

Go for it.

Cheers,

Mike

[Sean]

Mike you have Aristolochia Gigantea and Aristolochia elegans. Gigantea may not be as hardy as elegans in most areas.

Cheers,
Sean

[Jonna]

Coincidentally, a gardening blog I read by Wilson Wong in Singapore featured A. Gigantea today.  Here's the link to Gardening with Wilson post with pictures of the incredible bloom.   I really enjoy his blog, not just because he is in the tropics but because he does most of his gardening in a community garden that he founded.  Check out that flower though, incredible!  Mike, this plant is amazing when it blooms, you'd better post a picture. 

[Jerry]

Wonderfup photos Jonna!   I must get a Gigantea

[greenthumbnails]

Looking forward to seeing a bloom...it may be awhile though, my vine is still a youngling.

[Sean]

The one featured in the article that Jonna linked to is not Aristolochia gigantea but Aristolochia grandiflora, There are distinct bloom differences between the two.

I did have a cutting of grandiflora but it did not make it.

Cheers,
Sean