Sometime in 2011, when we were just about to change from Sarracenia collectors to commercial carnivorous plant sellers, we were asked to come and rescue a collection of Sarracenia that had been neglected for years. When we arrived, the Mrs thought I had lost my marbles, as according to her these were all dead plants. I however, saw something in them. We collected the lot, paid a donation, and set about bringing them back to life.

As they slowly made a come-back, we discovered some lovely hybrids in between the other Sarracenia species, and met the breeder, Mr Malcolm Sunderland. Malcolm and his wife Ann became good friends over the following years. Sadly we lost Ann Sunderland a few years ago.

We have named it after the county where this cultivar was created. The red lid and yellow colouring of the pitcher remind us of a sunset, hence the name Sarracenia cv Yorkshire Sunset.

Sarracenia ‘Yorkshire Sunset’ showing maturing lid colour during the season

Parentage is Exornata x (flava x alata red lid). This cross is clearly visible in the red lid, the yellow pitcher and the alata like creamy yellow flower.

Sarracenia ‘Yorkshire Sunset’ stays compact, maximum height between 30 and 40cm. The bright colours stand out, especially the lid which slowly matures to a dark red, set off by the bright yellow of the pitcher. The plant looks great in early spring with the new, lime green pitchers, matures to a red lid, which turns very dark red in autumn. As the plant matures the pitchers develop red veins on the inside, while showing muted veins on the outside. To maintain its characteristics, this cultivar should only be propagated vegetatively