Sarracenias, commonly known as pitcher plants, are carnivorous plants mainly from North America. They bear flowers that grow singly on tall leafless stalks and most have long tubular 'pitchers'. Inside these pitchers is a well of digestive fluid that breaks down prey, which is then absorbed by the plant.
Sarracenia x excellens is an attractive plant that has green pitchers that have red veins and white spots near the top. The deep red flowers appear in early spring.
Sarracenia x excellens is a great choice for a sunny conservatory or greenhouse. For best results, keep the compost moist at all times - stand on a tray of rainwater. Grow in specialist, nutrient-poor compost. There's no need to feed sarracenias with conventional plant food; the plants will feed from insects that are attracted to the traps. If these are in short supply you can feed the plant with dead insects.
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Sarracenia and wildlife
Sarracenia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
