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Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October

Sarracenia alata var. nigropurpurea - Black Tube Large Form A60 MK

North American Pitcher Plant
Availability:
Out of stock
Sold out
Original price £16.99 - Original price £16.99
Original price
£16.99
£16.99 - £16.99
Current price £16.99
Supplied in a 9cm Pot

You’ll receive one established division growing in a 9cm pot with soil perfect for Sarracenia. Plant size and seasonal appearance will vary; photos show our mother plants.

Seasonal Information

30.07.26 - Many Sarracenia species and hybrids are starting to lose their early pitchers, which may now be removed before shipping

Delivery Information

Delivery from £4.99 (mainland UK). We aim to dispatch orders within 2 working days.

Description of Sarracenia alata var. nigropurpurea - Black Tube Large Form A60 MK

Sarracenia alata var. nigropurpurea – Black Tube Large Form A60 MK is a large-growing selection of the dark-tube pale pitcher plant.

The pitchers grow upright, with long tubes that widen towards the mouth. Dark purple-brown veins cross the green background, while heavier burgundy colouring covers much of the upper pitcher. The lower tube can retain olive-green areas rather than becoming uniformly dark. This variation leaves some pitchers visibly patterned and others almost solid maroon above the midpoint.

The darkest colouring concentrates around the throat, inside the opening and beneath the lid. These areas can approach purple-black, contrasting with any green tissue that remains between the veins. The lid curves forward over the mouth, with slightly lifted edges. Its upper surface shows bronze, red-brown or purple tones, while the underside can become considerably darker.

Light levels make a noticeable difference to this colour pattern. Give A60 MK a bright, sunny position to encourage the dark pigmentation associated with var. nigropurpurea. In shade, pitchers can remain greener or reddish-green, making the black-tubed character less apparent. The name describes its potential colouring, not a colour every pitcher maintains under all conditions.

In spring, the plant produces pale yellow to cream flowers beneath yellow-green sepals. The blooms hang from curved stalks, with broad petals surrounding the centre.

Plant photos above are of our Sarracenia alata var. nigropurpurea - Black Tube Large Form A60 MK mother plants. Divisions are taken from the mother plants and are planted into 9cm pots to be sold. Division sizes can vary greatly and will always be sent largest first. If you'd like to know the size of a plant before ordering, please feel free to contact us.

Sarracenia alata var. nigropurpurea - Black Tube Large Form MK-A60

Basic Sarracenia Care

Sarracenia alata var. nigropurpurea - Black Tube Large Form A60 MK is easy to care for, given the correct conditions. An unheated greenhouse is an ideal location. Here are the 3 golden rules for healthy Sarracenia pitcher plants.

  1. Provide as much sun as possible.
  2. Keep their pots sat in 1-2cm of rainwater.
  3. Use acidic soil. A 1:1 peat moss & perlite mix is typical.

Take a look at our full, in-depth guide for more information.

FAQs

Can I grow Sarracenia outdoors in the UK?

Yes, most Sarracenia species are fully frost-tolerant and can live outside all year round in UK gardens, bog gardens, or patio pots. Species such as leucophylla and psittacina can be more sensitive and usually fare better in an unheated greenhouse.

How do I water Sarracenia?
  • March–October: Stand the plant pot in a saucer or tray containing 1 to 3 cm of rainwater (or more when the weather's really warm). The soil should never be allowed to dry out.
  • November–February: Keep the soil just damp, reducing the standing water significantly while they rest.
Can I use tapwater for Sarracenia?

No, unless you live in a very soft water area (<50ppm) do not use tapwater. Regular tap water contains minerals, lime, and chlorine that burn and kill the roots over time.
Always use collected rainwater, distilled water, or reverse-osmosis (RO) water.

Do Sarracenia need winter dormancy?

Yes, Sarracenia need a cold winter rest period (roughly from Halloween to Valentine's Day) with lower temperatures (unheated greenhouses, cold frames, or bright sheds). Their old pitchers will turn brown and die back; this is completely natural. Trim away dead growth in late winter to prevent mould (botrytis).

Read more here: How to Keep Your Sarracenia Healthy Through Winter Dormancy

What kind of soil should I use for Sarracenia?

Use a specialist peat-free or low-nutrient carnivorous plant compost, typically mixed with perlite or equivalent for drainage. Never use standard multi-purpose garden compost, which contains too many nutrients.

Read more here: Sarracenia Soil Mix Guide: Simple Pitcher Plant Soil for Beginners