About
A large, evergreen, rhizomatous perennial to around 30cm in height, with rosettes of modified leaf stems called 'phyllodes' which function as insect-catching tubular pitchers with hooded lids. These strong, over-sized pitchers are yellow-green with prominent red veining, turning to bronze in summer.
About the genus
Sarracenia can be evergreen or herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials with rosettes of phyllodes mostly modified into insect-catching tubular pitchers with hooded lids, and solitary, nodding cup-shaped flowers in spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a bog garden, or outdoors in containers of specialist carnivorous compost, in full sun. In summer stand containers in trays of lime-free water and irrigate only with rainwater. Sarracenia require a period of winter dormancy when they should be kept moist, cool, and well ventilated; an unheated greenhouse is ideal. See carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningTrim off tatty growth in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free