Overview
Pinguicula villosa is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Pinguicula, part of the Lentibulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Pinguicula villosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and neutral and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. Suggested uses include houseplants.
About
Pinguicula villosa is a herbaceous perennial cultivar within the genus Pinguicula, known for its clump-forming habit and deciduous, succulent-like foliage. As a carnivorous plant, it features sticky leaves that attract and digest insects, with flowers typically appearing in spring and summer. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with neutral to acidic pH, favouring full sun to partial shade in sheltered, south- or west-facing positions. Suitable as a houseplant, it is hardy to H1C and can be propagated by seed or division, with offsets removed in late winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pinguicula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Pinguicula villosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pinguicula villosa
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, surface sown on damp sphagnum moss at 13-18°C (55-64°F) as soon as ripe. Propagate by division, removing offsets in late winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pinguicula villosa?
Pinguicula villosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pinguicula villosa need?
Pinguicula villosa grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers neutral and acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Pinguicula villosa hardy in the UK?
Pinguicula villosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Pinguicula villosa?
Propagate by seed, surface sown on damp sphagnum moss at 13-18°C (55-64°F) as soon as ripe. Propagate by division, removing offsets in late winter.
More in the Pinguicula genus
- Pinguicula alpinaalpine butterwort
- Pinguicula heterophylla
- Pinguicula macrophylla
- Pinguicula moranensisMexican long-spurred butterwort
- Pinguicula primuliflora
- Pinguicula 'Florian'
- Pinguicula 'Fraser Beaut'
- Pinguicula reticulata