Aristolochia gigantea (Calico Flower)
Botanical name: Aristolochia gigantea
Common names: Calico Flower, Giant Pelican Flower
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Origin: Brazil, Mexico, Panama
USDA Zone: 10-12
Plant form: Climbing or creeping vine
Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular; moderate; tolerates dry conditions
Flower color: Unusual color
Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Fragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Invasive: Can spread quickly, needs controlThe Aristolochia gigantea will inspire a sense of marvel to anyone who gazes upon it. This truly spectacular blossom produces a pouch that in some cultivars is almost 2 feet long and more than a foot across. Ivory veins network across a burgundy velvet background as the flower unfurls. Heart-shaped, light green leaves, about 6 inches in length, adorn this easy-to-grow vine. The plant blooms at a young age and grows in full sun or partial shade.
In some sources, Aristolochia gigantea is considered as Aristolochia grandiflora var. Hookeri. The cultivation of Aristolochias is undemanding. Sun lovers that appreciate some shade in hotter inland areas, they adapt to any soil that drains well. Any pruning necessary to contain or shape the plants should be done in late winter or early spring. Cultivation is easy, and growth can be tamed. Papery capsule containing many seeds.
A. gigantea var. Brasiliensis has even larger lemon-scented flowers and exhibits an elaborate pattern of white and mottled reddish brown. Since it is not a vigorous vine, it can easily be trained on a stake, trellis or even a hanging basket.
Similar plants: Aristolochia gigantea (Calico Flower)
- Aristolochia arborea (Aristolochia Tree)
- Aristolochia fimbriata (Fringed Aristolochia)
- Aristolochia gibertii (Dutchman's Pipe)
- Aristolochia gigantea 'Brasiliensis' (Giant Calico Flower)
- Aristolochia grandiflora (Calico Flower)
- Aristolochia labiata (Mottled Dutchman's Pipe)
- Aristolochia leuconeura (Pipe Flower)
- Aristolochia littoralis (Elegant Dutchmans Pipe)
- Aristolochia macrophylla (Dutchman's Pipe)
- Aristolochia manchuriensis (Manchurian Pipevine)
The Aristolochia gigantea will inspire a sense of marvel to anyone who gazes upon it. This truly spectacular blossom produces a pouch that in some cultivars is almost 2 feet long and more than a foot across. Ivory veins network across a burgundy velvet background as the flower unfurls. Heart-shaped, light green leaves, about 6 inches in length, adorn this easy-to-grow vine. The plant blooms at a young age and grows in full sun or partial shade.
In some sources, Aristolochia gigantea is considered as Aristolochia grandiflora var. Hookeri. The cultivation of Aristolochias is undemanding. Sun lovers that appreciate some shade in hotter inland areas, they adapt to any soil that drains well. Any pruning necessary to contain or shape the plants should be done in late winter or early spring. Cultivation is easy, and growth can be tamed.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster
SUNSHINE Megaflor (NPK 2-2-4) - Bloom Booster for every watering. Formulated especially for blooms, to boost flowering, improve flower size and quality, and stimulate pollen development. This is an eco-friendly nutrition booster that can be used for organic gardens. Can be used for daily feeding with every watering. Scientifically-balanced stable formula is organic Amino-acid based and has NO EDTA chelators to eliminate nutrients lockup; it does not affect crop taste. Organic Amino acids greatly enhance stability of all Sunshine boosters and provide excellent absorption of trace elements. Pollinating insects friendly.