Among the images on our website and Instagram feed, you will see lush foliage, stands of pitchers, and flytraps ready to snap shut at a moments notice. However, as I am writing, it is mid winter in Portland, OR, about 45F, overcast, and the plants hardly resemble these descriptions.
Temperate carnivorous plants naturally experience a winter rest period of inactive growth called dormancy. In my conditions, this lasts from mid-October to May. I do not provide any extra protection here, as the plants are all quite cold hardy (however if you have persistent freezing temperatures, or temperatures below 20F you will need to shelter your plants).
Bookhardt Botanicals, December 2021
Through winter dormancy, there is still plenty to work on at the nursery. I am germinating seed collected from Fall, dividing and repotting sales and mother plants, and bringing in new cutting-edge plants to work with from fellow growers.
During the new year I give most Sarracenia a haircut. This accomplishes a few key objectives for plant hygiene:
-remove unsightly foliage that may be in various stages of decay
-clears the way for sunlight to reach the growth point and encourage new, vigorous growth and flowers in Spring
-makes moving pots and reorganization much easier
Sarracenia after their "haircuts"
These nondescript, pitcherless plants may not look like much now, but just like Lilies and Roses, will become a breathtaking display later this year.
Sarracenia in peak growth 2021
Continue to check the website for new plant availability, as I am working on divisions of some special mother plants, including oreophila x Adrian Slack. Seedgrown plants will also become available in February. If you have not subscribed to the email list, you may wish to do so as I will announce new product drops there.
Sam
Bookhardt Botanicals
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