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Pinguicula gigantea

giant butterwort

A carnivorous perennial forming rosettes to 20cm across of yellow-green leaves. Both the upper and lower leaf surfaces are sticky to trap and digest insects. Solitary purple flowers are produced on 15cm tall stems in summer. In winter this species has a period of semi-dormancy when it should be kept drier; during this time it may produce non-carnivorous leaves

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow
Summer Purple Green Yellow
Autumn Green Yellow
Winter Green Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Lentibulariaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Pinguicula are a genus of around 80 species of, mainly perennial, flowering carnivorous plants with sticky leaves which attract and digest insects. Leaves are succulent-like and flowers mainly blue, violet or white

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a compost mix comprising one part each peat substitute, coarse sand, perlite and dolomitic limestone chippings. Position in bright, filtered light. In growth, water freely; in winter water sparingly. See Carnivorous plant cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed on damp sphagnum moss as soon as ripe. Take leaf cuttings in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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