The southern Purple Pitcher Pitcher plant produces broader and typically larger pitchers than the northern variety and also has a more compact growth habit with stalks often under 25-30cm high. The flower is also larger and produces shades of pink rather than the dark red petals like its northern relative. It is native only throughout the coastal plains of the United States. It is also said to be one of the easiest Sarracenia to grow for home gardeners. Like all Sarracenia, it is a carnivorous species that traps insects as a source of additional nutrients. To do this, the plant uses its upright folded leaves or “pitchers” which are half full of water, with sticky juice near the top. The juice attracts insects, which crawl into the “pitcher” and become trapped and are then “consumed” by the plant. You can even grow these plants in a cool windowsill or on your patio to trap insects. Unusual and fun to grow, this beautiful specimen is actually not that hard from seed when following the growing instructions provided.