Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa (Purple Pitcher Plant)

Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa (Purple Pitcher Plant) is a carnivorous perennial prized for its short, squat, green pitchers, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), heavily flushed, and veined burgundy-purple. Unlike in erect pitcher plants, the lid does not shield the pitcher’s opening. It is erect and also richly veined in purple. In spring, rich purple flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), rise atop leafless stalks well above the pitchers. Slightly fragrant, they hang down above the pitchers. Native to the Southeastern United States, Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa occurs primarily on the coastal plain from the New Jersey Pine Barrens south to Georgia and west from the Florida panhandle to Louisiana. It is found growing in the peaty soils of savannas and upland swamp margins. 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 acid water garden.

• Grows up to 10-18 in. tall (25-45 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm).
• Thrives in full sun to partial shade in consistently moist, acid soil. Irrigate with lime-free water and do not fertilize plantings. Shelter from the hot sun.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for scale insects, mealybugs, aphids, and tortrix moths.
• Propagate by division.
• Native to the Southeastern United States.