Source: Wikimedia Commons
Southern purple pitcher plant
BeginnerSarracenia purpurea ssp. venosa
The southern subspecies of the purple pitcher plant, S. purpurea. Its squat pitchers are rough-surfaced outside, with a large hood whose side lobes overlap when pinched together, and it tolerates warmer climates than the northern subspecies.
About
Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa is the southern of the two subspecies of the purple pitcher plant, S. purpurea, which is widespread in North America. It occurs from New Jersey south through Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, in areas that were not glaciated, and tolerates warmer temperatures than the northern subspecies. Its pitchers are squat, up to 30 cm long, with a large lip and an erect hood that does not cover the mouth, veined in a tree-like pattern. Pitchers stay in good condition for about two years. To separate it from the northern subspecies, check several plants for these points: the outer pitcher surface is rough or hairy (smooth and glossy in the north), the hood is larger so that its side lobes overlap when pinched together, the pitchers are less elongated, and the flowers are paler than the northern plants' darker red or purple. Intermediate plants are common where the two ranges meet. Gulf Coast plants once treated as a variety of this subspecies are now usually recognized as the separate species S. rosea, and some botanists name mountain plants var. montana. In Japan it is widely available from specialist nurseries, aquarium plant shops and online, sometimes under a different name from the species S. purpurea.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Southern purple pitcher plant
The Southern purple pitcher plant grows to Pitchers up to 30 cm long (squat).
Basic Info
Origin
Eastern USA (New Jersey to Georgia)
Lifespan
Perennial (can be kept for many years by division)
Size
Pitchers up to 30 cm long (squat)
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
No soil fertilizer (catches insects in water-filled pitchers)
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow outdoors in full sun; with too little light the colour is poor and the pitchers are weak.
Watering
Keep the pot standing in about 4-6 cm of water at all times and never let it dry out. Use rain water or other water low in dissolved minerals.
Soil & Repotting
A 1:1 peat and sand mix is the standard. Divide and repot well-grown plants every 3 or 4 years.
Temperature & Overwintering
Let it go dormant in winter. Fully dormant plants survive a few weeks frozen solid in their pots, but early and late frosts are the danger. Keep the winter spot cool, not warm.
Fertilizer
Do not fertilize the soil of mature plants; it can cause rhizome rot. This group likes water in its pitchers, and a small amount of rehydrated dried bloodworm in them helps growth.
Pruning & Grooming
Pitchers last up to two years, so remove them only when they turn brown.
Southern purple pitcher plant FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Southern purple pitcher plant?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Southern purple pitcher plant get?
The mature size of Southern purple pitcher plant is Pitchers up to 30 cm long (squat). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Southern purple pitcher plant?
Southern purple pitcher plant: watering & fertilizer — No soil fertilizer (catches insects in water-filled pitchers). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Southern purple pitcher plant?
The price of Southern purple pitcher plant varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Sarracenia purpurea ssp. venosa (Raf.) Wherry
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa (Raf.) Wherry
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole genus Sarracenia is listed in CITES Appendix II (apart from a few Appendix I species and subspecies), and this covers hybrids and cultivars too. Import and export across borders require CITES permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or give plants within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) Sarracenia purpurea
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
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