Sarracenia × harperi

RHS Plant Profile
Harper's pitcher plant
Harper's pitcher plant RHS
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A large, evergreen, rhizomatous perennial to around 30cm in height, with rosettes of modified leaf stems called 'phyllodes' which function as insect-catching tubular pitchers with hooded lids. These strong, over-sized pitchers are yellow-green with prominent red veining, turning to bronze in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sarraceniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Sarracenia can be evergreen or herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials with rosettes of phyllodes mostly modified into insect-catching tubular pitchers with hooded lids, and solitary, nodding cup-shaped flowers in spring
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a bog garden, or outdoors in containers of specialist carnivorous compost, in full sun. In summer stand containers in trays of lime-free water and irrigate only with rainwater. Sarracenia require a period of winter dormancy when they should be kept moist, cool, and well ventilated; an unheated greenhouse is ideal. See carnivorous plant cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Trim off tatty growth in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free