A vigorous vine with large, heart-shape leaves, Dutchman's pipe quickly turns arbors and pergolas into shaded retreats from which to escape the heat of summer. Plant Dutchman's pipe at the base of a trellis where it will twine up and create a dense canopy of foliage that provides lots of shade.

The vine is native to southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. The vine's dense, overlapping leaves offer an important food source for the caterpillars of pipevine swallowtail butterflies (black with iridescent blue scaling), and the fragrant flowers in early summer provide nectar for the adult butterflies.

Dutchman’s pipe is toxic to humans and pets.

Where to Plant Dutchman’s Pipe

Plant Dutchman’s pipe in a location with full sun or partial shade that is sheltered from strong winds. Make sure to keep a safe distance to your home, as the vine is highly flammable. The soil in the planting location should be well-drained and consistently moist, with a pH in the slightly acidic to slightly alkaline range. A location in a moist wooded area or near a stream is ideal. 

Site this fast-growing vine at the base of a sturdy climbing structure like a well-anchored trellis, a pergola, or even a chain-link fence. Dutchman's pipe will ramble over, through, and around nearly any type of structure, making it an excellent plant for covering an unsightly view. The overlapping cloak of leaves forms a dense, beautiful screen.

How and When to Plant Dutchman’s Pipe

Nurseries often sell bare-root Dutchman’s pipe in time for spring gardening. Plant it after the last spring frost in your area. Dig a hole at least twice the size of the root spread and deep enough to fit the roots without bending. Place the crown (where the trunk meets the roots) in the hole so it sits slightly above soil level. Backfill the hole and gently tamp down the soil around the base. Water it immediately and keep it well-watered at all times.

Because Dutchman’s pipe is such a vigorous grower, a single specimen is usually enough to fill a space. If you have a large area, such as a long fence, space plants 12 to 20 feet apart.

Dutchman’s Pipe Care Tips

With the exception of annual pruning to keep its growth under control, this vine requires only minimal care.

Light

The vine does well both in full sun and partial shade.

Soil and Water

Although the vine is unfussy in its growing conditions, rich, moist, well-drained soil is a must. It will do poorly in dry soil so make sure to plant it in a location where the soil is naturally moist, or water as needed in the absence of rain. A soil pH in the range of 6.0 to 8.0 is best.

Temperature and Humidity

Dutchman’s pipe survives over a wide range of temperatures, from subzero winters to hot summers. It is not known to be intolerant of high humidity.

Fertilizer

If you planted the vine in the recommended organically rich soil, no fertilization is needed. Over-fertilizing the plant, even unintentionally from lawn fertilizer runoff, can lead to excessive growth.

Pruning

Because it grows up to 6 feet a year, Dutchman's pipe benefits from annual pruning to keep it under control. Prune plants in the late winter or early spring. Removing weak or damaged stems at their base. Cut back excessively long stems by half or more to maintain the desired size.

Potting and Repotting Dutchman’s Pipe

Due to its considerable size, the vine is not suitable to be grown in containers.

Pests and Problems

Dutchman’s pipe is not affected by serious diseases or pests. However, the high flammability of the plant can be problematic. Make sure to plant it at a safe distance from your home and other buildings. As tempting as it is to plant a Dutchman’s pipe near a porch for shade, it is not recommended due to the fire hazard.

How to Propagate Dutchman’s Pipe

The easiest way to propagate Dutchman’s pipe is from softwood cuttings. In the spring or summer, take a 4-inch cutting from a healthy stem that shows some new growth. Remove all the bottom leaves so there are only a couple of leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and insert it about halfway into a pot filled with damp potting soil. Place it in a warm location away from direct sunlight and keep it evenly moist. When new growth appears and the stem does not wiggle when you gently tug on it, it has rooted. Let the cutting grow into a strong little plant before transplanting it into the landscape.

Types of Dutchman’s Pipe

Wooly Dutchman’s Pipe

Aristolochia tomentosa is a variety of Dutchman's pipe with hairy stems and foliage. Its growing conditions are similar to those of Dutchman’s pipe but as a native plant to the central and southern United States, it is slightly less hardy. Zone 5-8

White-Veined Hardy Dutchman’s Pipe

Unlike other Dutchman’s pipe types, Aristolochia fimbriata is a perennial groundcover, not a vine. It grows 6 to 12 inches in height and spreads 2 to 3 feet. The heart-shaped green leaves have a silver veining. The plant is native to Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina. Contrary to its name, it is not as hardy as other Dutchman’s pipe species. Zone 7-9

Virginia Dutchman's Pipe

Aristolochia serpentaria is another Dutchman’s pipe groundcover, though this one is native to the United States. It grows in full to partial shade where it spreads by rhizomes up to 2 feet wide. Zone 5-9