Albany pitcher plant Cephalotus follicularis
Albany pitcher plant (Cephalotus follicularis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Cephalotaceae family, native to Peaty swamps of the south coast of Western Australia, around Albany. It grows 5–20 cm (2–8 in) tall and 10–30 cm (4–12 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Albany pitcher plant at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cephalotaceae |
| Mature height | 5–20 cm (2–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–30 cm (4–12 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 4–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Peaty swamps of the south coast of Western Australia, around Albany |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Albany pitcher plant toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Albany pitcher plant
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Albany pitcher plant
- How far apart should I plant Albany pitcher plant?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–30 cm (4–12 in).
- Does Albany pitcher plant need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Albany pitcher plant need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Albany pitcher plant?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Albany pitcher plant flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Albany pitcher plant poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Albany pitcher plant?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Albany pitcher plant. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- International Carnivorous Plant Society: cultivation and species guides, International Carnivorous Plant Society
Notes and assumptions
- A carnivorous bog plant: grow it in wet, nutrient-poor peat and sand, water only with rain or distilled water, never feed the soil, and give it full sun.
- Tiny, hairy, moccasin-shaped pitchers with ribbed lids and a toothed rim, turning deep red in sun, among ordinary flat leaves. The only species in its family, and not related to the other pitcher plants: it evolved its traps independently. Slow and fussy about stagnant wet roots.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus