Sarracenia psittacina
perennial

Parrot Pitcher Plant

Sarracenia psittacina

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8

Water

Consistently moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South-eastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Sarracenia psittacina, commonly known as the Parrot Pitcher Plant, is a carnivorous perennial with low-growing, rosette-forming pitchers that display reddish hues and intricate patterns, attracting insects for nourishment. This species is distinguished by its unique ability to trap prey in its hooded, parrot-like pitchers, and it thrives in boggy, acidic soils, making it a popular choice for specialized carnivorous plant collections.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAdds a mysterious, exotic touch to bog gardens with its striking purple pitchers.
Practical UsesAttracts insects away from other plants, aiding in natural pest control.
Ecological BenefitsSupports wetland ecosystems and promotes biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist, acidic soil in early spring
  2. Keep soil consistently moist and shaded
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to encourage root growth
  4. Provide high humidity for healthy development
  5. Monitor for pests and control as needed
  6. Divide mature plants every 2-3 years for vigor

Pro Tip

Use distilled or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup and keep soil acidic.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Maintain consistently moist, acidic soil 🌱
  • Provide partial shade during hot afternoons 🌱
  • Monitor for pests and remove them promptly 🌱

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering which can rot roots ❌
  • Do not expose to direct, harsh sunlight ❌
  • Skip fertilizing; these plants get nutrients from insects ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mystical bog garden centerpiecePurple-tinged wetland border

Companion Plants

Sphagnum moss Dwarf ferns Other carnivorous plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Parrot Pitcher Plant questions

What zones can Parrot Pitcher Plant grow in?

Parrot Pitcher Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 7–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Parrot Pitcher Plant deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Parrot Pitcher Plant, especially tender spring growth β€” plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Parrot Pitcher Plant bloom?

Parrot Pitcher Plant typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone β€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Parrot Pitcher Plant need full sun?

Parrot Pitcher Plant does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Collections featuring this plant

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Parrot Pitcher Plant with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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