Darlingtonia californica
awesome
Darlingtonia is the most enigmatic carnivorous plant in cultivation, even for us. And we're in its home state of Oregon! We've tried out so many growing methods to find one that that will work for most growers. We experienced numerous losses. We shed buckets of tears. We shouted lots of very bad words. The only thing we can safely say that will increase your chance of success is a drop in nighttime temperature, below 60°F (16°C). Other factors - sunlight, soil health, watering method, day temperature, pure luck - are also important. But, cool nights seem to be the single common thread that unites all successful growers.
Type of Plant: Cold-hardy perennial for outdoor container growing.
Sunlight: Partial to full sun, 4+ hours of direct sunlight, during the growing season.
Water: Low-mineral water (50 ppm or less). Keep media wet.
Soil: Live sphagnum moss. No garden soil, compost, or fertilizer.
Winter: Dormant. Mulch in USDA zones 6 or colder.
PLANT YOU RECEIVE
• Young offshoot from select mother plants.
• Acclimated for outdoor growing.
• Shipped in a 4-inch pot with live sphagnum moss.
Photos illustrate early summer growth. Appearance may differ during other seasons. See below for more information.
All outdoor perennials experience seasonal changes at our nursery in Oregon.
January-March: Plant is dormant. Pitchers will have brown spots. Dried pitchers are cut off.
April: Pitchers from last season will have brown spots. New pitchers will begin to appear by the end of the month.
May: Fully developed pitchers typically appear by the end of the month. Pitchers from last season may still be present.
June-August: Full display of pitchers.
September: Plant is slowing down. Some brown spots occur.
October: Dormancy begins. No new growth until spring. Some brown spots occur.
November-December: Plant is dormant. Pitchers will have brown spots. Dried pitchers are cut off.