Pitcher Plants Make a Boggy Garden in Planting Beds or Containers

Sarracenia, a North American native perennial, is more often called the pitcher plant. It is primarily hardy in zones 5 – 9; pitcher plants best thrive in full sun and will tolerate summer heat. Pitcher plants can be used in boggy gardens whether created in planting beds or containers.

The spring blooming, solitary flowers of Sarracenia grow on leafless stalks with downward facing hairs and unusually patterned foliage. The hollow leaves have tubular openings forming modified pitchers that are topped with lids meant to keep out rainwater. The nectar lined tubes attract insects, which have difficulty escaping and eventually, are digested by the plant.

Plant lovers may be enticed into growing a pitcher plant for its carnivorous tendencies. But garden writer Larry Hodgson, in his book Perennials for Every Purpose, reminds carnivorous plant enthusiasts, ‚”pitcher plants are actually insectivorous – they eat insects and other arthropods, not meat.” The popular habit of feeding pitcher plants hamburger is ill advised if a gardener wants to maintain a healthy Sarracenia.

Sarracenia in a Boggy Outdoor Container Garden

Sarracenia plants are appropriate for boggy sites like a water garden. They can be also grown in an outdoor container type garden, either alone or with other perennials. Iris plants meant for pond landscapes and a water garden attracting dragonflies provide some inspiration worth replicating with pitcher plants.

Although providing drainage for a container water garden may sound counter-intuitive, having the ability to drain water out is an important feature of any pot used for planting. Other tips for growing a boggy container garden with Sarracenia are adding a layer of charcoal to the base of the container, mixing sand and peat moss to the soil mixture and using a container, at least 12″ wide and deep. Remember to locate the container garden in full sun and use fresh non-chlorinated water without fertilizer in the pot.

Pitcher Plants for Southern Climates

Pitcher plants have a number of species that will thrive in southern climates. The native Sarracenia alta, found in southeastern Texas, has a slightly different, not reflexed, form. The S. alabamensis and S. psittacina, called a parrot pitcher plant, is found in the southeastern United States.

The Little Bug series of Sarracenia includes S. ‘Doodle Bug,’ S. ‘Lady Bug,’ and S. ‘Redbug.’ These hybrids, developed in North Carolina, are meant for very wet gardens and are dwarf compact plants.

Sarracenia Purpurea in Northern Gardens

Sarracenia purpurea is a common pitcher plant that is most appropriate for growing in northern gardens. Of all pitcher plants, it is the most tolerant of less-than desirable conditions such as in dry or alkaline soils. Sarracenia purpurea grows in cold climates, hardy as far north as zone 2.

Pitcher plants grow fragrant spring blooming flowers. The plant structure is unusual, which is what attracts gardeners to growing them but is also valuable in a native perennial garden. Sarracenia are more difficult to grow indoors but are worth the effort outside in a planting bed or container garden.

Sources:

Hodgson, Larry. 2000. Perennials for Every Purpose. Rodale Organic Living Books.

Glasener, Erica. 2009. Proven Plants Southern Gardens. Cool Springs Press.