Calico Flower is a tropical twining evergreen vine native to South America that produces one of the plant kingdom's most exotic and unusual blooms. Each flower resembles a dutchman's pipe suspended delicately on a thin stalk, with intricate patterning that justifies its common name. Hardy in zones 9-12, it grows aggressively in warm climates, reaching 8 feet in a single season and up to 15-20 feet where it can overwinter outdoors. The vine produces showy flowers from July through September and attracts butterflies, making it a living sculpture for trellises and arbors in warm gardens.
Partial Sun
Moderate
9-12
240in H x 72in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The flowers are genuinely unusual: intricate, pipe-shaped blooms that seem almost impossible to describe until you see them in person. In frost-free zones, this evergreen vine becomes a vigorous performer, capable of producing an astounding 8 feet of new growth in just one growing season. Even gardeners in cooler climates can grow it as a container specimen, overwintering indoors to enjoy its exotic display year after year. The low maintenance requirements and butterfly-magnetism make it a conversation starter that asks very little in return.
Calico Flower is grown as an ornamental vine, valued primarily for its dramatic, exotic flowers that serve as a striking focal point on trellises, arbors, and fences in warm climates. Gardeners in cooler regions cultivate it as a container plant, moving it indoors during winter to enjoy the unique blooms in greenhouses or sunrooms. The vine's ability to grow rapidly and flower reliably makes it a favorite for creating vertical interest and attracting butterfly activity in tropical and subtropical gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant hardened-off plants outdoors after the last frost date in spring, when soil temperatures have warmed. Space vines 3-6 feet apart if planting multiple specimens. Provide sturdy support structures such as trellises, arbors, or strong fencing, as the twining stems will quickly grow to cover available space.
Prune as needed to control size and shape, especially if growing in containers or confined spaces. As a vigorous twining vine, it may require regular pruning to prevent it from becoming overly weedy in warm climates and to direct growth along your chosen support structure.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Aristolochia littoralis is native to South America, where it evolved as a tropical vine in warm, moist environments. The plant has naturalized in certain tropical areas around the world, as well as in Central America and the southern United States, demonstrating its adaptability and vigor once established in suitable climates. Its journey from South American rainforests to gardens worldwide reflects both its ornamental appeal and its ability to thrive in warm-region landscapes.”