Best planted in a cool coastal sunny spot that has some summer or afternoon shade with regular irrigation. Is only cold hardy to about 30-32 degrees F so a good plant in coastal gardens or in a cool conservatory. Its unusual flowers make it a real conversation piece in the garden.

Aristolochia gigantea is native to subtropical and tropical humid forests from Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama) south to Brazil. The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'aristos' meaning "best" and 'locheia' meaning "childbirth" which is thought to be a references to the flower's structure resemblance to a human fetus. The specific epithet is Latin meaning "like that of the giants", referring to this vine's large flowers. This plant is also known as the Giant Dutchman's Pipe, a reference to the shape of the flowers resembling a Meershaun smoking pipes such as were once used in Europe. The flowers of this species are larger than the more common Aristolochia littoralis but not as large flowered as Aristolochia grandiflora and differs from this species in having flowers that have more of lemony scent rather than the fetid odor that makes Aristolochia grandiflora difficult to tolerate. 

The information about Aristolochia gigantea displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.