Pinguicula gigantea
giant butterwort
A carnivorous perennial forming rosettes to 20cm across of yellow-green leaves. Both the upper and lower leaf surfaces are sticky to trap and digest insects. Solitary purple flowers are produced on 15cm tall stems in summer. In winter this species has a period of semi-dormancy when it should be kept drier; during this time it may produce non-carnivorous leaves
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | |||
| Winter | Green Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Lentibulariaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Pinguicula are a genus of around 80 species of, mainly perennial, flowering carnivorous plants with sticky leaves which attract and digest insects. Leaves are succulent-like and flowers mainly blue, violet or white
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a compost mix comprising one part each peat substitute, coarse sand, perlite and dolomitic limestone chippings. Position in bright, filtered light. In growth, water freely; in winter water sparingly. See Carnivorous plant cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed on damp sphagnum moss as soon as ripe. Take leaf cuttings in late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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