Skip to content
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Sarracenia Alata Var. Ornata - Giant To 28 (Whites Crossing Desoto Stone County Mississippi)
Sarracenia Alata Var. Ornata - Giant To 28 (Whites Crossing Desoto Stone County Mississippi)
Sarracenia Alata Var. Ornata - Giant To 28 (Whites Crossing Desoto Stone County Mississippi)
Sarracenia Alata Var. Ornata - Giant To 28 (Whites Crossing Desoto Stone County Mississippi)

Sarracenia alata var. ornata - Giant to 70cm (White's Crossing, DeSoto, Stone County, Mississippi)

North American Pitcher Plant
Availability:
Out of stock
Sold out
£15.99 - £15.99
£15.99
£15.99 - £15.99
£15.99
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. ornata - Giant to 70cm (White's Crossing, DeSoto, Stone County, Mississippi)

Sarracenia alata var. ornata (White's Crossing, DeSoto, Stone County, Mississippi) is an exceptionally tall form of the pale pitcher plant, capable of producing pitchers reaching around 70cm in height. This plant was raised from seed by British grower Nigel Hewitt-Cooper over 20 years ago and has developed into an impressive example of the variation found within Sarracenia alata.

Although generally identified as Sarracenia var. ornata, its exact classification remains uncertain. It may represent an intermediate form or an inter-varietal hybrid involving Sarracenia var. alata. The pitchers show characteristics of both, combining the slender structure of typical Sarracenia alata with the more pronounced red venation associated with var. ornata.

The pitchers are tall and upright, with long, narrow tubes that gradually widen towards the mouth. Fresh growth is predominantly lime green to yellow-green, crossed by fine red to brown veins running vertically along the tube. These markings become more concentrated towards the upper section, where they spread across the throat and underside of the lid.

The lid is broad and gently arching, with slightly waved margins and a network of fine veins. Its green surface provides a contrast with the darker markings inside the pitcher.

As autumn approaches, the upper pitchers develop much stronger pigmentation. The mouth takes on a reddish flush, while the lip can deepen to a rich burgundy. Darker red markings also spread through the throat, contrasting with the yellow-green tube below.

Plant photos above are of our Sarracenia alata var. ornata - Giant to 70cm (White's Crossing, DeSoto, Stone County, Mississippi) 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. Ornata - Giant To 28 (Whites Crossing Desoto Stone County Mississippi)

Basic Sarracenia Care

Sarracenia alata var. ornata - Giant to 70cm (White's Crossing, DeSoto, Stone County, Mississippi) 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.

Full Care Guide

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

Rated Excellent