Sarracenia Scarlet Belle (Pitcher Plant)

Sarracenia 'Scarlet Belle' (Pitcher Plant) is a carnivorous perennial prized for the vivid colors of its intriguingly shaped pitchers. Fast-growing, the rounded white pitchers are adorned with rich burgundy veining and a narrow hood. They are held horizontally against the ground forming a flattened rosette. Prolific, one plant can produce up to 100 pitchers. Typically blooming in spring, before new pitchers fully develop, the flowers are small, dark burgundy, and fragrant. Scarlet Belle is the result of a cross between S. leucophylla and S. psittacina. It performs well in shade or bright sun, tolerates soil moisture levels ranging from very wet to almost dry, and maintains a compact, spreading, and open form. 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 4-8 in. tall (10-20 cm) and 15 in. wide (37 cm).
• Thrives in full sun to part shade 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 moth.
• Propagate by rhizome division.
• Native to the southeastern United States.