Skip to content
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October

Sarracenia × moorei 'Esme Cowlard'

North American Pitcher Plant
Availability:
Out of stock
Sold out
Original price £39.99 - Original price £39.99
Original price
£39.99
£39.99 - £39.99
Current price £39.99
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 × moorei 'Esme Cowlard'

Sarracenia × moorei ‘Esme Cowlard’ is an attractive and distinctive Sarracenia hybrid raised by renowned British Sarracenia grower Mike King. Also recorded under the national collection number H192 MK, this plant was named after Mike King’s grandmother, Esme Cowlard.

As a Sarracenia × moorei, its ancestry combines Sarracenia flava and Sarracenia leucophylla, and ‘Esme Cowlard’ shows an excellent mixture of characteristics from both species. Unlike some of the enormous × moorei hybrids, this is a relatively compact plant, with its summer pitchers typically reaching around 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) tall.

The pitchers are upright and slender, starting predominantly green before becoming increasingly colourful towards the upper section. Fine red veining runs along the tube and becomes much stronger around the throat, mouth and hood. The upper pitcher develops an intricate network of deep red to burgundy veins over pale cream and white areas, producing the characteristic patterned appearance associated with Sarracenia leucophylla.

One of the most attractive features of ‘Esme Cowlard’ is its strongly coloured mouth and throat. Mature pitchers can develop a rich burgundy-red lip, while the throat and neck become heavily suffused with the same dark colouring. Against the pale windows and red veining of the hood, this creates a particularly bold contrast.

Plant photos above are of our Sarracenia × moorei 'Esme Cowlard' 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 × Moorei Esme Cowlard

Basic Sarracenia Care

Sarracenia × moorei 'Esme Cowlard' 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