About
Pinguicula grandiflora, the large-flowered butterwort, is an insectivorous perennial producing rosettes of sticky, pale-green leaves. In summer, trumpet-shaped, spurred, dark-blue flowers 2.5 cm across with pale throats and widely spreading lobes are produced on slender stems. A beautiful and rewarding native carnivorous plant for a cool, moist, well-drained, sunny position.
About the genus
Pinguicula, the butterworts, are carnivorous perennials with sticky, succulent-like leaves that trap and digest insects and small invertebrates. They produce violet-like flowers in blue, violet, white or pink. Grown as fascinating specialist plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toIreland, France, Spain, Switzerland
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in a peat-free carnivorous plant mix, in bright, filtered light. Outdoors, grow in full sun or part shade in poor, permanently moist soil that is naturally peaty, or in a bog garden using low-nutrient specialist compost formulated for carnivorous plants. See carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as soon as ripe on the surface of damp sphagnum moss with gentle heat, or separate resting buds in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free