ssp. venosa 'Belly of Blood' (Original cultivar)

Sarracenia purpurea ssp. venosa 'Belly of Blood' (original cultivar)

This is the true 'Belly of Blood'. The original cultivar from which all other versions draw inspiration. It is a plant with a name and character, and if you want that name, you know what you're getting.

What makes it special? Venosa is known for its compact, stout pitchers and pleasant hairy texture, but 'Belly of Blood' takes this to another level. The colour contrast is dramatic. And it's not just on one side of the plant; it runs throughout, with thick, dark veins that stretch through the leaf like capillaries.

The difference with the seed-grown version

You may have already seen the seed-grown 'Belly of Blood' x 'Belly of Blood' in our webshop. These are seedlings that have been pre-selected and therefore almost always have colours as vibrant as the cultivar, but there is individual variation, meaning the shape or colour may be slightly different from the official cultivar. They are cheaper and therefore ideal for those who care little about the plant label with a name but still want the vibrant colours of this line.

This here is different: this is the original 'Belly of Blood' cultivar (clone, vegetatively propagated). A familiar sight in collector networks. You know what you're getting, the same plant time and again, with the characteristic dark red-light combination that justifies the name.

The story behind it

'Belly of Blood' is one of those cultivar names that wasn't just made up. The name refers directly to its most striking feature: that blood-coloured heart. It is a cultivar cherished by purpurea enthusiasts.

Characteristics:

• Type: Stable cultivar (clone), not seed-grown.
• Height: Compact, typical venosa size. Dense, clump-forming.
• Appearance: Deep red interior ("belly") against a light-coloured exterior. Hairy. Fine red venation.
• Colour: Blood-like red in full sun; more subtle in less light but still recognisable.
• Cultivar vs. seed-grown: Both products are beautiful, but this is the original cultivar.

A classic that proves venosa has more to offer than you might think.