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Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa

conspicuously veined pitcher plant

A carnivorous perennial characterised by short, squat pitchers 10-30cm long which are green with purple veins, sometimes turning completely purple, with a rough, downy outer surface. Their upright green hoods are also richly-veined in purple and leave the pitcher uncovered. Deep purple flowers are borne on stems up to 80cm tall

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Red Green Purple Red
Summer Green Purple Red
Autumn Green Purple Red
Winter Green Purple Red
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Sarraceniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright, Matforming
Genus

Sarracenia can be evergreen or herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials with rosettes of phyllodes mostly modified into insect-catching tubular pitchers with hooded lids, and solitary, nodding cup-shaped flowers in spring

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass, keep moist in full light with shelter from hot sun. Use an acidic potting medium with moss. In winter, keep slightly drier, cool and well ventilated. Grow outdoors in moist but sharply drained acid soil in full sun. Irrigate with lime-free water. See carnivorous plant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required. Remove dead leaves as necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, aphids and tortrix moth caterpillars

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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