Species pitcher plant
red leaves

pitcher plant

Sarracenia flava 'Giant Red Tube'

The pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava 'Giant Red Tube') is a carnivorous, tube-shaped plant with huge, red pitchers. It features long petioles of red-tinged foliage topped with bright, yellow flowers. As the name suggests, the 'Giant Red Tube' is particularly large when compared to its standard-sized relatives. Prey is attracted by the fragrant nectar before becoming entrapped inside its sticky walls, providing the plant with essential nutrients. This stunning species tolerates cooler temperatures and semi-shady conditions making it an exceptional garden specimen.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water your pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava 'Giant Red Tube') once a week to keep the soil lightly damp. If possible, use distilled or rain water to avoid minerals and chlorine that can harm the pitcher plant. You may also want to water from the bottom of the pot instead of pouring water over the top. Use a tray below and 1-2" of water and soak for 1-2 hours, and pour out any remaining water so that the pot does not stay sitting in water during the rest of the week.

sunlight

Pitcher plants need lots of natural sunlight in order to thrive. It is especially important for the variety Sarracenia flava 'Giant Red Tube' which prefers a lot of light. This species needs at least 8 hours of direct sunlight every day, and does best when it is placed in an area with 4-6 hours of full sun in the morning followed by 4-6 hours of dappled or filtered light in the afternoon. The Giant Red Tube can also tolerate partial shade but will not flower as well in this environment. It is best to keep this plant in a sunny location during the summer months when days are longer and the plant can get the most direct sunlight.

pruning

Pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava 'Giant Red Tube') should be pruned once a year in late spring or early summer. Begin pruning by removing any dead, damaged, or discolored leaves and flower stalks, as well as flower buds that have yet to open. It is also important to prune off any wilting and yellowing foliage at the bottom of the plant. For a mature plant, it is recommended to cut the plant back by 1-third. This will help to promote vigorous vegetative growth. Pruning can also be done to shape the plant or to create a fuller and compact bush. The amount of pruning required for the pitcher plant will depend on the size, age, and condition of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Pitcher plants typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Pitcher plants typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map