Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 5/9/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I live in Walnut Cove in North Carolina and my climate zone is 7. As you know I plan to purchase a darlingtonia this June.  My question is should I be concerned about shock since I intend to plant my cobra in my bog garden? If I were planting it earlier in the spring I would be less concerned since it would still be coming out of dormancy.

ANSWER: Hi Daniel,

This species is a bit temperamental when it comes to transplanting.  We typically lose at least 25% of our plants when we divide them, even when doing so in early spring, so we recommend keeping the plant in the pot.  However, if you want to transplant it to your bog garden, you'll need to do so with care.  You'll need to keep the root system in tact and avoid disrupting it as much as possible. There's no specific method on doing this.  It's mostly a matter on your skills in getting the plant out of the pot without disturbing the root system, and then monitoring your plant for signs of transplant shock (wilting).  

If you need further assistance, it'll be best to contact us when you have the plant in your possession.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

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

QUESTION: Hi,

In that case, would you reccomend that I wait 'till next spring to try with this plant to give it an easier time of adjusting? I would be willing to wait another year if it would be easier on it.

Answer
This would be a judgment call on your part.  It really is about your comfort and skill levels when growing a somewhat temperamental plant.  We also don't know if we will be releasing Darlingtonia in winter.  Usually we wait until we see new growth before releasing them.  So waiting may not be beneficial as you would be in the same situation.