The ‘Giant’ form of Sarracenia flava var. rugelii is a towering selection of the classic Yellow Pitcher Plant, producing statuesque pitchers that can exceed 36 inches in height under optimal conditions. It’s a cultivar that lives up to its name.
Native to the southeastern U.S., this variety is known for its vibrant green pitchers, wide flaring hoods, and bold blood-red throat blotch—a feature that’s both beautiful and functional, acting as a visual lure for insect prey. The pitchers emerge in spring, followed by nodding, lemon-yellow flowers with a pleasant scent. With full sun and proper care, the plant produces flushes of fresh traps well into summer and may even push out a late-season flush in early fall.
Like all Sarracenia, ‘Giant’ thrives in full sun, pure water, and nutrient-poor conditions. It grows best outdoors or in a very bright, sunny windowsill or greenhouse, sitting in a shallow tray of distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water (tap water is OK if you live in the Bay Area). During winter, the plant enters dormancy, dying back to the rhizome before reemerging in spring.