Sarracenia psittacina (Parrot Pitcher Plant)

Sarracenia psittacina (Parrot Pitcher Plant) is a carnivorous perennial prized for its green and purple pitchers adorned with showy reddish-purple hoods resembling a parrot head. The tubular pitchers are beautifully marked with red veins and white spots. They are held horizontally against the ground forming a colorful low-growing rosette. Typically blooming in spring, the flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), are dark burgundy. Parrot Pitcher Plant is noted for its propensity to produce an abundant quantity of pitchers that retain their color during the normal winter dormancy period. Native to the southeastern United States, this sarracenia species can be found naturally in open locations as well as shady areas under shrubs or between tall grasses. Parrot 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 the acid water garden.

• Grows up to 4-6 in. tall and wide (10-15 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. Shelter from the hot sun. 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 rhizome division.
• Native to the southeastern United States.