ARISTOLOCHIA gigantea

It prefers a sunny and bright location, but can also adapt to semi-shaded conditions; it adapts to any type of soil, preferring rich, fertile and well-drained ones. It does not tolerate the salinity typical of sea winds in coastal areas, where it is therefore preferable to choose a sheltered position; it can bear short periods of drought, but constant and periodic summer wetting certainly improves its general appearance and productivity. Withstands minimum winter temperatures only a few degrees below zero, therefore where the cold can be intense and prolonged, it will be necessary to opt for a protected location, or to mulch the foot with straw and dry leaves or to guarantee shelter in a cool and bright environment in winter. In spring at the vegetative restart, it will be necessary to eliminate dry, broken or damaged, old or bulky branches: it may be equally useful to shorten the various stems to allow a more compact growth and stimulate flowering and subsequent fruiting. Ideal for terraces and balconies, in containers and pots of considerable size, as long as they have suitable supports. In the open ground in the garden, we can leave it free to climb trees or shrubs, even better, on pergolas, gazebos, fences or metal nets: it will satisfy not only our sight with its extravagant flowers, but also our palate with its sweetest fruits.