Utricularia vulgaris
greater bladderwort
A vigorous, rootless, tiny-leaved, insectivorous plant, trapping minute prey in waterlogged soil by means of bladder-like traps. Some of its leaves float on the surface of the water and some are submerged. It is cultivated for its snapdragon-like yellow flowers which are borne on wiry flowerstalks from April through to August
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Lentibulariaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Utricularia can be aquatic, terrestrial or epiphytic, insectivorous annuals or perennials with linear to kidney-shaped leaves bearing bladders to trap insects, and solitary or racemose, 2-lipped flowers held above water level
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in pots of peat substitute mixed with sand or perlite. Water using rain or pure water. Stand pots in a few centimetres of water to keep permanently moist. See carnivorous plant cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division or propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required. Deadhead
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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