Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)

The Pitcher plant is a great favorite for bog gardens and is sure to pique the interest of every garden visitor. Insects are attracted to the funnel shaped leaves that grow in rosettes resembling a flower and to the nectar produced by the red veins. When the insects get to the curve in the funnel tube they are prevented from going back up by downward pointing hairs. They end up in the water, dew, and digestive enzyme mixture at the bottom of the tube where they are digested. This method of obtaining nutrients is not essential for their survival.

Type: Herbaceous perennial.

Bloom: spring-summer; rose pink-dark red flowers; leaves modified into funnel tube that is bright yellow green –dark purple with strong red venation.

Size: 6-12”.

Light: Full sun; especially responds to western light/ afternoon sun.

Soil: Peat moss or a combination of sand and peat moss (up to 1:1);pH 4.5-5.5 (very acidic); should be constantly moist; NEVER let the growing medium dry out.

Fertilizer: NEVER fertilize.

Hardiness: Zones 3-8.

Care: Keep moist but do not feed or fertilize.

Propagation: Division of rhizomes; seed following cold stratification.

Companion plants: Venus flytrap, Sundews, Yellow flag iris, Blue flag iris, Louisiana iris, rushes, sedges.

Outstanding Selections: Dixie Lace, Doodlebug, Flies Demise, Junebug, Ladies in Waiting, Ladybug, Lovebug, Mardi Gras, Redbug, Ritchie Bell.

Tagged as: bog, carnivorous, insects, Pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea