Sarracenia: A Lidless

RobBlog, Sarracenia

A cross was done by Wes Buckner some years ago – the parentage was: Sarracenia leucophylla – Franklin Co., FL x “Red Viper”. Seed was sent out and a sweet lidless plant came out from a batch that Phil Faulisi grew out. I am not entirely convinced that this lidless came out of that parentage (…but who knows, right?). It is still a unique beauty and one that I … Read More

Breaking Dormacy 2021

RobBlog, Darlingtonia, Sarracenia

The plants are waking from their slumber and buds are all over the place. It is a truly magical time to see flower buds emerge and burst open. I’ve collected a few clips throughout April of the plants breaking dormancy and compiled into the video below. The shift from winter sleep to the deluge of color now begins. The first bloom of the season was on 23 Apr. This … Read More

Big Green Ala

RobBlog, Sarracenia

One AF (anthocyanin-free, or all green) line of breeding I’ve been having fun exploring is that of big AF green wing things. Or “ala” (a wing like part). I was inspired by the shape of Sarracenia rosea “Big Mama”. Below are a few shots of S. rosea “Big Mama” wings. The first photo on the left is from Oct 2012 (enjoying the warmth of the greenhouse) and the other … Read More

Buds

RobBlog, Darlingtonia, Sarracenia

It’s that time of year when plants start to wake up and send up their flowers. Buds are rising! If you’re not using the flowers for breeding, do you snip buds off to promote more vigorous pitcher growth? Or do you leave the buds to enjoy the flowers? I usually leave the flowers on to do their thing. It’s kinda nice to see the vibrant colors all over the … Read More

Spring Cleaning.

RobBlog

It’s that time of year again! Temperatures are slowly rising and plants are showing signs of waking up. In past years, I used to leave the non-carnivorous winter leaves (phyllodia), but this season I’ve decided to just trim it all down to the rhizome. It saves me trimming time, plus more light can now get down into the core of the rhizome mass. An explosion of growth is soon … Read More

Cold Plants

RobBlog

A video of some cold plants.Music: moonkiss | toby schay, quickly | album: overgrowth We’ve recently experienced some cooler temperatures here in Pacific Northwest. With this last round, the plants were hit with some sleet, freezing rain, and snow. Tables froze solid. It seems almost difficult to fathom — but these plants are just fine. Even after having the pleasure to grow them for several years in different climates, … Read More

Winter Pitchers

RobBlog

Another year is upon us, and along with that comes great anticipation for the upcoming growing season. There is a lot to leave in 2020, and also a lot to look forward to in this new year. In the meantime: dormancy. Dormancy is currently in full effect and the plants are deep in their winter slumber. Here are few more frames of dormant Sarracenia to start off 2021. Wishing … Read More

In the December Rain

RobBlog

Fired off a few frames in the rain today. Dormancy is certainly here. Most of the pitchers are going down for the winter — but there’s still a few of them still holding on. (Click images to enlarge.)

Seedling Spotlight: Montana x A. Slack

RobBlog

Here’s a couple seedlings of Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa var. montana x ‘Adrian Slack’ that are coming up nicely. I can’t recall exactly when I did this cross. I do know that they are survivors and have gone on a couple of moves with me. These are outdoor grown and were shaded for most of this year. Next season I plan on moving up to a grow table where … Read More