Dutchman's Pipe vine extremely slow growth

14 years ago

I planted two small dutchman's pipe vines (Aristolochia macrophylla) recently - one last fall and one this spring - and both have about 3 or 4 leaves and that's it.

The one I planted last fall is at the base of a pergola in the shade of a shrub and receives indirect sunlight. Not the best soil, but I do have lonicera, campsis, and vitis growing well in different locations on the pergola.

The one I planted in spring is at the base of a wooden fence in a shaded location with better soil. In this area, there is an ephemeral mix including various ferns and wood aster that are all established.

I do keep an eye on the water for both. I was under the impression that these vines would put out vigorous growth. Neither plant is wilted or anything and appear to be healthy, just not putting on any growth whatsoever. Wondering if there's something I'm doing wrong or if these usually need over a year to get established.

Featured Answer

lisanti07028

14 years ago

I planted one about 6 years ago with the same expectations that you had, and was also disappointed. I decided to wait it out and was rewarded. If you can tough it out for another year, maybe two, you will have more pipevine growth than you know what to do with.

Think of it as a woody shrub, which is kind of what it is; like them, you don't see the major top growth until the roots have regrown and settled in. Once they have settled in, though, stand back!

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Comments (7)

Dzitmoidonc
14 years ago
Keep it watered for the first year or 2, then stand back. It is growing massive roots underground. When it does grow the first vine to about a foot, pinch the end. After this vine (one of my favorites) gets going, prune it severely in the spring if you want.

Another thing to know about Aristolochias, they do not grow down, even a little. The tips must be pointing up to keep it growing.
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c2g
Original Author
14 years ago
Here's a pic of the one I planted last fall at the base of my pergola:
lisanti07028
14 years ago
That's just what mine looked like when it was new. Just wait. And keep an eye on that ivy, that it doesn't overrun the pipevine.
dethcheez
14 years ago
Wow
I have 4 sp. of pipe vines
2 from cuttings & 2 from seed

&

All have flowered within the first year or two for me

They seem to be really fast growers

Just guessing here
But maybe not enough light???
lisanti07028
14 years ago
I'd guess it is more the zone 10 vs zone 6 that is making a difference. That, and that your plants started out there, and the OPs plants and mine have had to remake their roots.
HU-220169952
5 years ago
I planted 2 small pipevines last fall and they started out good this spring but just kind of stopped and the bottom leaves are brown a bit ang advice