Overview
Sarracenia flava is a perennial carnivorous plant in the genus Sarracenia, part of the Sarraceniaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Sarracenia flava grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include bog garden, water garden and terrarium. It is native to E Northern America.
About
Sarracenia flava is a perennial carnivorous plant in the family Sarraceniaceae, notable for its pitcher-form foliage and insect-trapping habit. Plants typically reach around 0.5 m and grow in permanently wet, acidic conditions. It favours full sun on a south-facing site and suits bog gardens, water features or large terraria. Flowering occurs from May to July.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sarracenia flava
About the genus
Sarracenia is a genus comprising 8 to 11 species of North American pitcher plants, commonly called trumpet pitchers. The genus belongs to the family Sarraceniaceae, which also contain the closely allied genera Darlingtonia and Heliamphora.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sarracenia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sarracenia
In the garden
Sarracenia flava originates from eastern North America and belongs to the pitcher-plant group within the Sarraceniaceae. As a perennial carnivorous species it develops upright, tubular pitchers that form the main structure of the growing season plant, reaching roughly 0.5 m high. Position the plant in full sun with a southerly aspect where light levels remain high. Soils must remain wet and acidic; the species will tolerate sandy, loamy or clay substrates provided they are kept consistently waterlogged or at least very damp. Exposure is full sun and the UK hardiness rating H6 indicates it is very hardy in appropriate sites. The USDA hardiness range is 6–9. Sarracenia flava works best in dedicated bog beds, beside water features, or in open terraria where humidity and moisture can be controlled. Avoid drying out the root zone and give the plant an unshaded spot so pitchers develop strongly. It flowers from May to July, while the upright pitchers remain the most conspicuous feature throughout the summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sarracenia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- acidic
- Soil moisture
- Wet
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- full sun
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Sarracenia flava size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial carnivorous plant
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Suggested uses
- bog garden, water garden, terrarium
- Native to
- E Northern America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sarracenia flava
- Cultivation
- Requires consistently moist, acidic soil; avoid lime; full sun exposure; tolerate wet conditions
- Pruning
- Remove old pitchers to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sarracenia flava?
Requires consistently moist, acidic soil; avoid lime; full sun exposure; tolerate wet conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Sarracenia flava?
Sarracenia flava prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Sarracenia flava need?
Sarracenia flava is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays wet.
How do I prune Sarracenia flava?
Remove old pitchers to encourage new growth.
How big does Sarracenia flava grow?
Sarracenia flava reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Sarracenia flava hardy in the UK?
Sarracenia flava has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Sarracenia flava?
Seed, division.
More in the Sarracenia genus
- Sarracenia 'Thomas'pitcher plant 'Thomas'
- Sarracenia leucophylla from Okaloosa Co., Florida
- Sarracenia purpureacommon pitcher plant
- Sarracenia rubrasweet pitcher plant
- Sarracenia x ahlesii