Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea (Pitcher Plant)

Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea (Pitcher Plant) is a carnivorous perennial prized for its upright, slender deep red pitchers with erect lids and dangling yellow flowers. In spring, before the pitchers fully develop, bright yellow flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), rich with a strong musty fragrance, rise singly atop leafless stalks where they bend over to some degree. New pitcher leaves appear in spring and summer replacing old leaves that die and fall off. In order to obtain the intense red coloration, this plant needs a great deal of light. The pitcher Plant is very effective at trapping and killing insects. Lured by the attractive leaf color, insects that land on the lids get paralyzed by the nectar. They fall down into a digestive fluid at the bottom of the pitcher where they will decompose and nutrients get absorbed. This plant is best grown in the consistently moist soils of a bog garden or in containers. It is a great addition to the neutral to acid water garden.

• Grows up to 12-28 in. tall (30-70 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in consistently moist to wet, acid soil. Irrigate with lime-free water and do not fertilize plantings. Soils must never dry out, but plant crowns should not sit for prolonged periods in water. Mulch with pine needles in winter to protect plants from cold temperatures.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for scale insects, mealybugs, aphids, and tortrix moths.
• Propagate by seed, but the plant will not flower for the first 4-5 years. Easiest propagation is by rhizome division.
• Native to the southeastern United States.