About

A vigorous, rootless, tiny-leaved, insectivorous plant, trapping minute prey in waterlogged soil by means of bladder-like traps. It is cultivated for its snapdragon-like yellow flowers which are borne on wiry flowerstalks from April through to August. Some of its leaves float on the surface of the water and some are submerged.

About the genus

Utricularia can be aquatic, terrestrial or epiphytic, insectivorous annuals or perennials with linear to kidney-shaped leaves bearing bladders to trap insects, and solitary or racemose, 2-lipped flowers held above water level

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeBogs
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesBedding displays, containers, gap filling.

Care notes

CultivationUnder glass grow in pots of peat substitute mixed with sand or perlite. Water using rain or pure water. Stand pots in a few centimetres of water to keep permanently moist. See carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningNo pruning required. Deadhead
PropagationPropagate by division or propagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free