Dutchman's Pipe

Light Needs

Partial Sun

(5-6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

30 - 35 Feet

Mature Spread

4-10+ Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

This is a woody vine that is native to the Northeast of the United States. It is a food source for Blue and Black Pipevine Swallowtail. The large heart shaped leaves provide food and protection for the larval stage of the butterfly. The blooms of this vine twist and turn into the interesting pipe-like shape it is named after.

Dutchman’s Pipe is really great as an addition to a woodland area or an area intended for wildlife in the garden. The vines are scramblers and may look out of place if grown on a formal trellis or in a pot. Dutchman’s Pipe would be a useful screening plant to block out any unsightly area of a garden. The large, bright green leaves are very similar to its relative native Ginger. Care should be taken when handling this plant. All parts are toxic to humans and most animals.

Dutchman’s Pipe Care

Woodland plants aren’t only shade lovers. Dutchman’s Pipe will grow well in shade to part sun. It can also be grown to give shade to an area. Watering is the most important issue for Dutchman's Pipe. Constant, even moisture will keep this vine growing vigorously. It will have slower growth in drier spots, but will not tolerate drought conditions. Soil pH should be on the acid side to neutral. 

Pruning is only needed to keep growth in check and can be done at any point in the year. Early season pruning will ensure that there are blooms later in the summer. Using hand pruners or other manual long handled tools will ensure that any butterfly larva or cocoons are not damaged.

Dutchman’s Pipe Spacing

Dutchman’s Pipe is a very large growing woody vine. It will reach lengths of 30-35 feet after just a few years of being planted. Planting these vines is not normally done in groups like other ornamental vines.