White veined hardy dutchman's pipe

Year-round

Siting, size, light, and water basics for white-veined Dutchman's pipe in Houston, and growth habit for white-veined Dutchman's pipe in Houston.

• White-veined Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia fimbriata) is a low groundcover from South America. It grows 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads 2 to 3 feet, and it does not climb.
• NC State Extension gives it Zone 7 to 9 hardiness, and Houston falls in that range.
• It grows best with morning sun and afternoon shade, though it tolerates full shade or full sun with enough water.
• Give it rich or sandy, well-drained soil. In Houston's clay, mix in compost and sand so roots do not sit wet.
• It dies back to the ground each winter and regrows from the roots in spring.

Fall

Fall slowdown and seed pods for white-veined Dutchman's pipe in Houston.

• Green seed pods dry and split open in fall.
• Water less often as nights cool and growth slows.
• Houston's first frost usually comes in late November or December, and frost kills the top growth.
• Leave dead foliage as a natural mulch until spring.

Dying foliage can look ragged near a walkway. Trim it back once frost has browned it.

Winter

Winter dormancy for white-veined Dutchman's pipe in Houston.

• The plant goes dormant in winter and dies back to the ground. This is normal.
• Cut water way back while dormant, so the roots do not rot in cool wet clay.
• NC State rates it hardy in Zones 7 to 9. Houston winters are mild, but a light mulch helps in a hard freeze.
• Expect new growth from the roots in spring.

Spring

Spring planting and regrowth for white-veined Dutchman's pipe in Houston.

• The plant dies back in winter and regrows from the roots, so look for new silver-veined leaves once Houston warms up in March.
• Spring is a good time to plant in morning sun with afternoon shade.
• Water regularly during the growing period, about once or twice a week when rain is short.
• Do not dig around bare spots early, since dormant roots may still be alive.

A low silver-veined groundcover suits a front bed. Give it a mulched edge so it looks planned.

Summer

Summer flowers, water, and leaf care for white-veined Dutchman's pipe in Houston.

• Small fringed pipe-shaped flowers bloom through summer.
• Water regularly during Houston's heat, and mulch to hold moisture. NC State also says it is drought-resistant once established.
• Afternoon shade helps in the hottest weeks.
• If leaves get chewed or scorched in mid-summer, the plant regrows from the roots.