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Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea (Blackwater, North Florida) MS-F3

North American Pitcher Plant
Availability:
Out of stock
Sold out
Original price £24.99 - Original price £24.99
Original price
£24.99
£24.99 - £24.99
Current price £24.99
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 flava var. atropurpurea (Blackwater, North Florida) MS-F3

Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea (Blackwater, North Florida) F3 is a selected clone originating from the Blackwater area of the Florida Panhandle. F3 was selected by Matt Soper of Hampshire Carnivorous Plants for its strong red colour, good growth and classic Sarracenia atropurpurea form.

The pitchers are tall and upright, with the long, tapering shape typical of Sarracenia flava. Mature traps develop a rich red colour over almost the entire pitcher. The tube starts with warmer red and bronze tones before darkening as the trap ages, while fine veins remain visible beneath the heavier pigmentation.

The upper pitcher becomes particularly dark. The throat and column develop deep crimson to burgundy tones, continuing upwards into the lid. Unlike flava varieties where the lid remains green or yellow, a well-coloured atropurpurea should develop red pigmentation across the lid as well as the tube. F3 does this particularly well.

The lid is broad and held above the open mouth, with a gently pointed tip and a relatively smooth outline. Its upper surface develops dark red to maroon colouration, while the interior of the pitcher can show brighter crimson tones when illuminated by sunlight. The lip also colours strongly, tying the upper and lower sections together.

F3 is a vigorous clone and produces substantial pitchers once established. Light levels have a major effect on its appearance. Grow it in the brightest position available to bring out the full Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea colour. Under strong sun, mature pitchers develop the deep, near-uniform red colouring for which this Blackwater selection is known.

Plant photos above are of our Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea (Blackwater, North Florida) MS-F3 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 flava var. atropurpurea (Blackwater, North Florida) MS-F3

Basic Sarracenia Care

Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea (Blackwater, North Florida) MS-F3 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

What makes sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea different to other sarracenia flava varieties?

Sarracenia flava var. atropurpurea differs from other Sarracenia flava varieties by its striking, deep red-to-maroon pigmentation that covers the entire pitcher tube, throat, and lid when grown in full sun.

How tall do Sarracenia flava get?

Sarracenia flava typically grows 45cm to 90cm feet tall. This varies dependant on the specific plant, growing conditions and seasonal variations.

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