Question
QUESTION: Hello, I live in Canada. I have a Sarracenia purpura. My plant didnt have any dormancy this year. I'm trying to find some information about the tolerance to cold for that plant but don't find any zone or numerous value.

minus -20 celcius (-4 F) will propably kill my plant ?



ANSWER: Hi Christian,

You'll need to identify the subspecies of your plant.  There are two, Sarracenia purpurea ssp. purpurea and Sarracenia purpurea ssp. venosa.  Subspecies purpurea occurs naturally in Canada, while subspecies venosa occurs naturally in the southeastern portions of the United States.  So the cold tolerance will depend on the subspecies.  

In either case, if you plan to keep the plant in a container rather than planting it in a bog garden, then you should always protect the plant whenever the temperature drops below 20癋.  This is true for any plant, carnivorous or otherwise, grown in containers since it lacks the natural protection offered by the ground and other nearby plants.

If you can upload a photograph of your plant, I can identify the subspecies for you.  I'd need a clear photograph of its leaves to properly identify it.

For more information about growing Sarracenia as container plants, read our care sheets at:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

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

QUESTION: S. Purpura ssp, I know It originaly from Canada.

Answer
Although subspecies purpurea can tolerate temperatures as low as -34癈 in the wild, the plant is still prone to dehydration at temperatures below -7癈 when grown in a container.  This has to do with its natural defenses (insulation from the ground, other plants and snow) not being there.  So if your plant were exposed -20癈 without any protection from the arctic winds, it can die from dehydration.  Always follow the recommend winter protocols of heavy mulching.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin