• Deutsch
  • English
  • Français

Wooly Pipevine

The "Wooly Pipevine" is one of the most important facade plants -- a twining climber much appreciated for its remarkably lush, middle-large, heart-shaped leaves. It is ideal for vertical greening and is also known for its ability to easily hide downpipes and lightning conductors! It is fairly low-maintenance, and pruning is basically unnecessary. We sell two sizes:

>>>  Price A / Price B

Woolly Dutchman`s Pipevine, Wooly Dutchman`s Pipe, Aristolochia tomentosa

Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa

To thrive...

The "Woolly Pipevine" needs a sunny to slightly shaded position, protected from wind, and nutrient-rich soil, fresh and moist with regular water provision (especially in sunny positions) to compensate for the evaporation rate. These plants tolerate nearly everything, as long as they are watered regularly in summertime. Fertilising is beneficial. This small-leaved aristolochia is hardier and requires less attention than Aristolochia macrophylla. Distance between plants: 1 - 2.5 m

>>>  Price A / Price B

Characteristics and Pruning

A twining climber, this plant forms thick leaf walls, but can also cascade down like a bridal train. Aristolochia tomentosa is generally smaller-leafed. Initially, the plant uses its energy mainly for growing new leaves, so yearly new shoots are rather sparse, especially during the first few years. Foliage from May to November. Doesn't look “straggly” in winter, as the sparse new shoots keep their decorative light green colour. The older perennial shoots are light grey. Not susceptible to fungal diseases! This Pipevine wons its name to its oddly-shaped yellow-green flowers that resemble an old-fashioned smoker's pipe; they appear in June / July, with cucumber- or capsule-like fruit. Prune and thin out every 1-3 years.

Climbing Aids for the Facade

Akebias love vertically-oriented climbing aids, with cables that are approx. 30-40 cm apart. Shoots have to be bound by hand on horizontal axes. See below for suitable systems. Choose medium, or preferably heavy / massive cable trellis systems; with potted plants, an easy kit may suffice.

 

Suitable wire rope systems?

Please click the icon to see the full suitability chart

Greening with Dutchman's Pipe "Aristolochia tomentosa" in an inner courtyard
Leaves of an Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa
[Translate to Englisch:] Pfeifenwinde "Aristolochia tomentosa" an zwei senkrechten Stahlseilen in Radolfzell / Baden-Württemberg

Greening Buildings

See examples here of facade greening with Dutchman's pipe...

Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa
Dutchman's pipe on a stainless steel trellis, wire rope system 4040
High vertical greening with Wooly Pipevine "Aristolochia tomentosa" on varnished wine-red square metal pipe's
Aristolochia tomentosa on 3 vertical wire ropes
Dutschman's pipe
Aristolochia tomentosa
Greening of a hospital with Aristolochia tomentosa
Greening a wall with Aristolochia moupinensis on a trellis
Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa
Greened fire escape staircase with small-leafed Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa
Aristolochia tomentosa on a staircase
Aristolochia tomentosa
Wooly Pipevine
 
 
 
 

Botanical Features

Here you can see the Dutchman's pipe's leaves, fruits, blossoms, autumn-colouring, phenotype in winter, and budding in spring. *Both types --  Aristolochia durior (macrophylla) and Aristolochia tomentosa -- are presented here for comparison.

Young shoots and leaves of Aristolochia tomentosa
Young shoots of Aristolochia tomentosa on a balcony
Leaves of an Aristolochia tomentosa
Leaves and pod of Aristolochia tomentosa
Comparison of A. tomentosa and A. macrophylla with early autumn coloring
Comparison: Aristolochia macrophylla on the left, Aristolochia tomentosa on the right
Comparison: Aristolochia tomentosa on the left, Aristolochia macrophylla on the right
Differentiation of 2 different pipevines on the basis of hairiness: A. macrophylla on the left side (always hairless) and A. tomentosa on the right (with hair)
Blossoms of A. tomentosa (Isotrema tomentosa)
Aristolochia tomentosa in winter
 
 

Suitable wire rope systems for Wooly Pipevine

Please click on a graphic to call up its trellis profile!

   = suitable              = of limited suitability              = unsuitable