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Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa 'Gigantea'

North American Pitcher Plant
Availability:
Out of stock
Sold out
Original price £49.99 - Original price £49.99
Original price
£49.99
£49.99 - £49.99
Current price £49.99
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 purpurea subsp. venosa 'Gigantea'

Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa ‘Gigantea’ is a selected form of Sarracenia purpurea distributed through Triffid Nurseries. It represents a larger-growing venosa, with an emphasis on size, colour saturation, and heavier pitcher structure.

The plant forms a broad, spreading rosette of pitchers that sit low to the substrate. Compared to typical Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa forms, the traps are noticeably larger and more inflated, with a thicker build. The tube is wide and curved, holding a substantial volume of rainwater, which is characteristic of Sarracenia purpurea types.

Colouration develops strongly as the pitchers mature. Early growth often starts green with light veining, but this quickly deepens into red and maroon tones across the surface. In well-grown specimens, the pitchers can become heavily suffused with red, while still retaining a visible network of darker veins beneath.

The lid is broad and reflexed, sitting back from the opening rather than covering it. It shows a mix of green, red, and deeper tones, often with a mottled or layered appearance. The rim is thick and rounded, blending into the body of the pitcher without a sharp edge.

The flowers are typical of venosa, borne on short scapes in spring but showing a deeper red colour.

Plant photos above are of our Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa 'Gigantea' 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 purpurea subsp. venosa 'Gigantea'

Basic Sarracenia Care

Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa 'Gigantea' 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