Cephalotus follicularis
Australian pitcher plant
Cephalotus follicularis is a small, low-growing, clump-formingcarnivorous plant. Non-carnivorous leaves produced in spring are flat, hairy and bright green whilst the pitcher-forming leaves are 2-4cm long and develop a dark red colour under bright sunlight or remain green in shadier conditions. The mouth of the pitcher is rimmed with 24 ribs or teeth. In summer a flower stem up to 60cm tall bears small white-pale green flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Red Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Green | |||
| Winter | Red Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cephalotaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Cephalotus has just one species and is known as the West Australian Pitcher Plant. It produces small clumps of orange, red, maroon or black pitchers with a line of teeth on the rim of each pitcher.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a nutrient-poor, acidic substrate and maintain temperatures between 5 and 32oC. See carnivorous plant cultivation for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed, from root cuttings or leaf cuttings or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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