Fundamental Facts
HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade to sun
ATTRIBUTES: Bold foliage and yellow pipe-shaped blooms; for shade, privacy
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to fall
TYPE OF VINE: Woody perennial vine; climbs by twining
FAVORITES: Available by species name only
QUIRKS Needs ample water, but dislikes soggy soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: This is a stand-alone plant, or use as a background for perennials
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In partial shade and moist soil enriched with organic matter
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: So vigorous it can crush a trellis that is not sturdy
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives years; if needed, cut back in spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except aphids or spider mites
SOURCE: Bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: 15-30 ft (4.6-9.1 m) long
Dutchman's Pipe in the Landscape
Dutchman's pipe gets its common name from its curious 3 in (7.6 cm) long, brownish yellow, U-shaped blooms, which look like miniature versions of an old-fashioned smokers pipe. Unfortunately, the charming flowers are often hidden behind the 10 in (25.4 cm) wide, heart-shaped leaves, which are arranged in dense, overlapping layers, like shingles.
The lush growth of this twining vine makes it useful for framing attractive views or for blocking out less desirable ones. It's also a favorite porch vine, providing shade in summertime. But be prepared to accommodate it. Growing at least 15-30 ft (4.6-9.1 m) in length, this vigorous vine needs plenty of room and a sturdy support to bear its weight.
The best options are strong wires strung over masonry or a wrought-iron trellis. If you're growing the vine on a porch, run wires between screw-eye bolts fastened into framing. If you use a wooden trellis, choose one made of a rot-resistant wood, such as cedar, because the dense growth will hold moisture against its support.
Growing Dutchman's Pipe
Plant Dutchman's pipe in spring. A site with partial shade will suit this adaptable woodland native. Dig a roomy hole and add a 2 in (5.1 cm) layer of organic matter, such as well-rotted manure, compost, or leaf mold to improve drainage, as this vine doesn't like soggy soil. Bury the vine's stem no deeper than it grew in the nursery container. Fill the hole, water it well, and then mulch. Water as needed to keep the roots moist through the first season after planting. Irrigate established plants as needed to keep soil from drying out during droughts, because Dutchman's pipe grows poorly in dry conditions.
Do not be misled by slow growth the first couple of years after planting this vine. Once established, Dutchman's pipe needs heavy pruning at least twice in the summer to keep it within bounds. Pinching vine tips during the growing season encourages branching, leading to bushier growth.
Tender shoots may be visited by sap-sucking insect aphids or spider mites. Knock them off plants with a strong stream of water from a hose.
Increasing the Bounty
Often there's hardly room for one vine, let alone several, but if you want more, gather and sow seeds when in fall. Provide 40°F (4°C) for 3 months. Or take 4 in (10.2 cm) long softwood cuttings in midsummer when growth is mature but not yet woody. Apply rooting hormone to the cut, insert cutting by half its length into moist soil, and provide bottom warmth and partial shade until rooted.
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