Even when people get over the novelty of pitcher plants, they remain fascinated by the odd forms assumed by the namesake pitchers (which are really modified leaves). Equally fascinating for some is the fact that, like the famous Venus flytrap, pitcher plants are carnivorous. The pitchers function as traps for insects, which are attracted to them both by their smell and by their color. Once insects are trapped within a pitcher, it’s difficult for them to get out because the internal walls are slippery and covered in stiff hairs that point downwards. The pitchers fill up partially with rainwater and the trapped insects can end up drowning. Some pitcher plants produce a chemical that kills the insects. Pitcher plants are classified as herbaceous perennials, and many different types exist. No matter where you live, you will probably find one suitable for your garden, patio, or greenhouse. Unfortunately, they’re not easy plants to grow and so are best left to green thumbs. Here are ten pretty pitcher plants popular with enthusiasts and sure to dazzle the general public. The best way to display one is as the focal point of your water garden, surrounded by shorter plants that won’t obscure its beauty and flowers. The purple pitcher plant can reach up to 20 inches tall when in flower and is native to eastern and north-central North America.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 6 (but varies by subspecies) Color Varieties: Flowers are purplish-red; pitchers are greenish, with red veining Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Needs: Boggy, acidic
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 8Color Varieties: Flowers are yellow; pitchers are medium green to greenish-yellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Boggy, sandy, humusy, acidic
Its namesake “cobra” heads are a wonderful conversation piece for gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9Color Varieties: Flowers are yellow to purplish-greenSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shadeSoil Needs: Gravelly, boggy ground saturated with cold water
Sun pitcher plants are among the most difficult of all the pitcher plants for gardeners to grow (even if they own greenhouses). You have to get the temperature and humidity just right.
USDA Growing Zones: Varies according to species, but most are tropical plants (zones 10 to 11)Color Varieties: Depends on the speciesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (depending on the species)Soil Needs: Usually grown in sphagnum moss, within a container
Their pitchers are characterized by striking, dark veins in a pattern that stands out boldly against such a bright white background. A white trumpet pitcher plant grows one to three feet tall. You grow them for their pitchers, but their red flowers are a nice bonus.
USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 9Color Varieties: Pitchers are white with dark veins; flowers are reddishSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Boggy, humusy, acidic
USDA Growing Zones: 8–11Color Varieties: Pitchers are green to dark purple; flowers are whitish and aesthetically insignificantSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Typically displayed in a container, where the growing medium is sphagnum moss
There are many species of Nepenthes. For instance, three closely related species native to the Philippines are:
Nepenthes ventricosaNepenthes alataNepenthes x ventrata (a hybrid of Nepenthes ventricosa and Nepenthes alata)
All three are best grown and displayed in greenhouses in the North. Their flowers are insignificant. The pitchers can become up to nine inches long. Even within the same species, there is quite a bit of variability of traits (such as vine length).
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11 Color Varieties: Pitcher color can be greenish-yellow, orange, purple, or red; some are heavily speckled. Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade (depending on species) Soil Needs: Sphagnum moss (placed in containers) is the typical growing medium
photograph by dorisj/Getty Images
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11Color Varieties: OrangeSun Exposure: Full sun to partial sunSoil Needs: Sphagnum moss (placed in containers) is the typical growing medium
The plant is grown for its vibrant red pitchers more so than for its aesthetically insignificant blooms.
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11Color Varieties: RedSun Exposure: Full sun to partial sunSoil Needs: Sphagnum moss (placed in containers) is the typical growing medium
Its flowers may not be ornamental enough to justify the effort involved in growing such a fussy plant, for all but green thumbs, but the striped pitchers surely are. The latter can become one foot in length.
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11Color Varieties: Orange, red, and yellowSun Exposure: Full sun to partial sunSoil Needs: Sphagnum moss (placed in containers) is the typical growing medium
