Sarracenia 'Velvet'

Sarracenia 'Velvet' is a carnivorous pitcher plant hybrid involving S. leucophylla that resembles this species but is shorter. It forms upright pitchers 6-14 inches high with green bases and openings and hoods adorned with numerous reddish-brown veins and white windows overlain with a fine, velvety pubescence. In spring, the large showy flowers, resembling flying saucers, are bright crimson to maroon rising atop leafless stalks with new pitchers following. Insects are attracted to the pitchers where they get caught inside and can't escape. Once they perish, digestion begins. Plants need an acidic, humusy medium that is constantly damp. Soils must never dry out, but plant crowns should not sit in water. Use rain or distilled water if you live somewhere with hard water. Use a mixture of 50% peat and 50% perlite, vermiculite, or coarse sand. Plants need cold temperatures for winter dormancy. Plant in bogs, wet places or in pots that are set in an inch of water.