Sarracenia purpurea venosa
Ease to Grow: Easy
Dormancy: Suggested
Native Range: Peat Bogs of Southeastern North America
Zones: 7-9 (6-10)
The Southern Purple Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia purpurea venosa, is low growing with short, stout traps. The traps are similar to the northern variety, but more bulbous and orange with more pronounced ruffling on the margins of the hood. The external pitcher surface is covered by small dense hairs, and feels soft and flexible to the touch. It tends to clump and form colonies, about 2 feet across. In the winter it frequently turns a rufous red. Traps hold their color through the winter and for nearly 2 years. It is a fragrant, early Spring bloomer, growing light and bright red blossoms on a 10 inch scape, that flower before the new pitchers. Flower stalks and sepals last through the year, resembling green daffodils. It prefers warm summers and mild winters. It is native from Alabama to Virginia and is the only native Sarracenia purpurea south of Virginia. It is well-suited for terrariums and backyard bog gardens, even in the North with winter protection.
Southern Purple Pitcher Plants are shipped bare-root, wrapped in damp sphagnum moss. In it's dormant season, it will be shipped as a dormant rhizome with trimmed off pitchers. Photographs are representative of the species, and not the specific plant shipped. Veining and coloration may vary because these are a seed strain.
Height: 4" - 8"
Plant Type: Perennial, warm temperate
Soil: Lower Bog Mix or All Purpose Mix
Light: Bright to partial bright indoors, full sun to partial sun outdoors
Use: Grows well in the bog garden, greenhouse and indoors. It is excellent for terrariums