Red Phyllodia and Hibernacula: Normal Spring Color, and When to Trim

A grower asks if red color on S. flava phyllodia and D. filiformis 'Florida Giant' hibernacula is normal, and when to cut leaves on S. flava and 'Judith Hindle'.

Red Color = Spring Sun

Completely normal. As weather warms and sun intensifies, anthocyanin pigments develop—sign of good light exposure.

Trimming Time

• Now: Cut all dead leaves from last season.
• Keep: Fully formed green leaves and live phyllodia on S. flava until they brown later.

Spring cleanup clears the way for the new pitcher season.