Expert: Christopher Littrell - 9/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have looked online at carnivorous plants suggested for region 7 (Oklahoma).  I would like one that has double petals but don't see one recommended.  Can you recommend any?

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hello Debbie,

There are many North American carnivorous plants that would do well in your zone, from Venus Flytraps, Drosera rotundifolia, and Sarracenias to Darlingtonia. I do not know what you mean by double petals. Petals have to do with flowers, so unless I am mistaking your question, you seek a plant with petals that grow like an orchid in configuration? Utricularia and Pinguicula have such flowers, although they are tiny in comparison with the flowers of most other plants. Many species of Utricularia and Pinguicula are suitable for zone 7.

Christopher

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer.  To be more specific, is there a pitcher plant similar to the Tarnok white top pitcher that grows well in zone 7?

Answer
Hello Debbie,

The White Top Pitchers are of the trumpet group of pitcher plants, similar in looks to Sarracenia flava, rubra, and alata (being S. leucophylla themselves). There are many hybrids of these plants combining many of the aspects of other trumpet and hunter's horn types of pitcher plants. You might look over some cobraplant.com stock or ask Sarracenia Northwest about similar plants they might have in stock. Any of the Sarracenias would be fine in zone 7 with a few winterizing precautions for any potted plant and for those from zones 8-9.

Christopher