Smearwort
Aristolochia rotunda · Aristolochiaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around smearwort and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (April-June)
- Adult size
- 2 to 4 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Tender (frost damage beyond -5 °C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean (North Africa, Near East)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, light
Care
Light exposure
Place your aristolochia in a sunny to partially shaded position to promote good flowering. In very hot regions, some afternoon shade will benefit it. Excessively shaded exposure slows growth and reduces flowering.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) to keep the soil slightly moist, without excess. Reduce watering in autumn and limit it in winter according to climatic conditions. Avoid stagnant water which promotes root rot.
Soil and substrate
Prepare a drained and fertile mixture made up of potting soil, mature compost and sand or perlite. A light, well-structured soil ensures better growth. Adding organic matter before planting promotes rooting.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK) in spring when vegetation starts. Continue moderate applications every 4 to 6 weeks until summer. Choose a fertilizer rich in potassium to support flowering.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or weak wood. In cold regions, drastic spring pruning before regrowth may be necessary after a harsh winter.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites during hot, dry periods. Powdery mildew can occur with excessive humidity and poor air circulation. Good drainage and regular ventilation minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Aristolochia rotunda is famous in botanical history for its singular tubular flowers shaped like a curved pipe, hence the genus name "aristolochia" (from Greek "aristos" = excellent, and "lochia" = childbirth), as it was once used in traditional Mediterranean herbal medicine. However, most aristolochia species contain aristolochic acids now recognized as potentially toxic, which explains its gradual disappearance from modern pharmacopeias.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- European wild gingerAsarum europaeum
- BirthwortAristolochia clematitis
- Aristolochia pistolochiaAristolochia pistolochia
- Wild gingerAsarum canadense
- LittlebrownjugHexastylis arifolia
- Dutchman's pipeAristolochia paucinervis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.