Aristolochia elegans,
commonly called calico flower, is a tropical twining evergreen vine that
produces unusual flowers, each of which resembles a dutchman’s pipe suspended
on a thin stalk. It is native to South America, but has naturalized in certain
tropical areas around the world as well as in Central America and the southern
U.S. Where winter hardy, it will grow to 15-20’, but can be grown smaller. In
one growing season, it will grow to as much 8’ long. Plants produce slender
stems clad with alternate, simple, heart- or kidney-shaped, glossy light green
leaves (to 3-4” across) that are gray-green beneath. Each flower is shaped like
a curved pipe, hence the common name. Flower color is creamy white densely
mottled with deep purple-brown. Vines primarily bloom in summer and fall, but
in warm climates are Fast flowering. Flowers are pollinated by flies. It is synonymous
with Aristolochia littoralis.
Winter hardy to
USDA Zones 9-12 where it may be grown in moist, moderately fertile,
well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Avoid dry soils. It needs a
trellis, arbor or shrubs on which to grow. In cool regions it can be grown in
containers that are overwintered indoors in greenhouses or sunrooms. Keep soils
moist during the growing season, but reduce water in winter. It also may be
grown as an annual.
Growing Instructions
1. Soak the
seed in water for 48 hours.
2. The seeds
like moist, rich, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and
half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so
that it is moist but not wet.
3. Put the
seeds on the soil.
4. Cover the
seeds with a thin layer of soil.
5. Water the
seeds.
6. Place the
pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade.
7. When the
seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
Mason (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Phoenix (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Nicholas (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate
Mason (verified owner) –
These seeds came right up and started producing squash. Can’t ask for more than that.
Dylan (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days