Question
Hi Jeff/Jacob. I just recently received an S. rubra ssp. jonesii from you and planted it in my bog garden April 15 (great packaging!). To my surprise, it is starting to send up a couple of flower buds. My question: Is it okay to let it flower, or should I cut them off and not let it flower this season because it was just replanted? The roots had minimal disturbance as it was planted encased in the soil it came in as it did not look old or root bound. I don't want to let it flower if it will adversely affect its growth this season due to replanting.

Thank you,

Djoni

Answer
It's fine to let it bloom.  The plant grows very vigorously and bounces back quickly.  Of course, it's always a judgement call on your part.  While they provide aesthetic beauty, flowers are not the part of the plant that captures insects.  If you prefer to see more pitchers, you can cut off the buds before they bloom.  This will redirect the plant to producing more leaves and a larger rhizome.  So essentially, you can decide where you want the plant to focus its energy for future propagation, into seeds or into the rhizome.  It's a bit of judgement call on your part.  Either way, it won't harm the plant at all.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin