Family: Sarraceniaceae
Common Name: Pitcher plant

These eight species of insect-trapping, carnivorous plants from swampy areas of eastern North America are grown mostly as curiosities. The pitchers are beautifully veined and decorative. Each leaf is folded over on itself, forming a pitcher which traps the insects.

Species

S. flava, yellow pitcher plant, zone 7, is a tall-growing species with leaves over 1 m (3 ft) long. The leaves are greenish yellow with crimson throats, and the flowers are yellow.

S. leucophylla, zone 8, is another tall species, also growing over 1 m (3 ft). The leaves are green and the white lid is veined with purplish red. The flowers are deep crimson or purple.

S. psittacina, parrot pitcher, zone 8, has green leaves, to 20 cm (8 in) long, veined with red, that tend to lie horizontally.

S. purpurea, common pitcher plant, zone 3, has 30 cm (12 in) long leaves, which also tend to lie down rather than stand upright. They are green with purple-red veining.

Cultivation

In climatic zones lower than those recommended, grow in shallow pots in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, in a mix of sphagnum moss, leaf mould and sharp sand. Stand pots in shallow trays of water during the growing season. In winter, keep barely moist. Always use lime-free water. In the garden, grow in a sunny position with moist, acid soil containing plenty of humus. Propagate by division in spring.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.