Pitcher plants, or Sarracenia, are one of the largest groups of carnivorous plants in America, and they are easy to grow plants native to the USA. These exotic plants are great growers in your garden, in a container, or even placed in a terrarium plus they are colorful with beautiful foliage and flowers, and not only that; they also get rid of unwanted bugs that may find their way into their space. That’s the cool things about Pitcher plant compared to other related plants by its nature.
The Pitcher plants have a variety of cultivars in the Sarracenia genera. Each is unique in their own way; it is difficult to choose just one.
Sarracenia genus is considered an endangered species, much like some other variation of the pitcher plant but not eligible for international trade, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), except for specific circumstances; they are also listed on the United States List of Endangered and Threatened Plants as endangered as well.
These Sarracenias that are considered endangered include Sarracenia alabamensis, Sarracenia oreophilia, and Sarracenia rubra ssp. jonesii; on both lists; however, there are four more on the US list, including Sarracenia psittacine, Sarracenia leucophylla, Sarracenia rubra ssp. wherryi and Sarracenia rubra ssp. rubra.
Because of these species being endangered, you should only get your Sarracenia from reputable nurseries instead of ones that are grown by random gardeners. You need to look for the labels “from cultivated stock” or “nursery propagated” to find safe pitcher plants to take home. However, if the nursery says, “nursery-grown”, ask them what they mean by that because it can just mean they took it from the wild and potted it.
These are just a selected few of the coolest pitcher plant cultivars out there. There are many more varieties to choose from, so you do not have to limit yourself to just these five. Feel free to make one of these pitcher plants a member of your home.
The 5 Coolest Cultivars
Catesbey's Pitcher Plant
This is a pitcher plant that is the hybrid of Sarracenia purpurea and Sarracenia flava. It is a naturally occurring plant in the wild and has features from both of its parents.
They are 15 inches tall and look brick red; staying stand upright until they get filled up with water, then they may droop a little bit.
These plants, later in spring, will have clumps topped with 15-inch-tall flower stalks.
Its stalks have flying saucer-like flowers that are also brick red, and they look like this until the new pitchers fully form.
Daina's Delight
A Daina’s Delight pitcher plant is delightful. It was made in the mid-90’s by Mark Edwards of New Zealand and named after his daughter.
It’s a hybrid of Sarracenia leucophylla x Sarracenia x willisii and is a very colorful plant.
Even though its parents have a white head and neck, this hybrid ends up showing off its very red flowers on top of the 2-foot-tall plant.
Dixie Lace
One of many hybrids made by Larry Mellichamp and Rob Gardner, this hybrid’s parents are Sarracenia leucophylla x wherryi and Sarracenia psittacina x Sarracenia purpurea hybrids.
These pitcher plants are 1 foot long throughout its season. The plants are light yellow and have red veins in each flower, angled at 45 degrees and have an 18-inch-wide clump.
During early spring, these plants have 18-inch-tall stalks with maroon flowers that resemble flying saucers.
Flies Demise
The best thing about this plant, minus its cool name, is also a product of Larry Mellichamp and Rob Gardner.
Its parents consist of multiple species, including Sarracenia purpurea, Sarracenia rubra ssp. wherryi and Sarracenia rubra.
This beautiful hybrid with the funny name stands upright at 10 inches and have a light orange color with red veins inside the top and around the hood of the plant.
Mardi Gras
Last but not least, this party plant is also from the great Larry Mellichamp and late Rob Gardner. Known as the dynamic duo, these two crossed the hybrids Sarracenia leucophylla x Sarracenia purpurea with Sarracenia leucophylla x Sarracenia psittacine.
These upright pitcher plants are 1 foot tall and look like cobra heads with eyes. Their “eyes” are bloodshot red, with the hood of the “cobra” being white along with some red netting.
Truly very beautiful plants to take care for.
How Do I Grow a Pitcher Plant?
Pitcher plants are very easy to grow and require moist soil to grow in. They are usually bog plants while in the wild; however, if you grow one at home, the bog part is not required anymore. Just do not let your pitcher dry out. Make sure you keep the soil moist at a 4-inch depth to ensure its survival.
If your pitcher sheds its dead leaves, you need to leave them on the plant during winter and then prune them in the spring. Otherwise, these plants are fairly easy to take care of. If you plant this outside, make sure the ground is not frozen but has enough moisture to ensure its health.
These plants need open habitats with plenty of sunshine. Too much shade results in the slow demise of these beautiful plants, by losing their colors and slowly drooping.
Here’s a recommended read from one of our articles you might find interesting as well: How to Take Care of a Pitcher Plant?
