Building an Outdoor Bog Garden for Darlingtonia in Zone 7

Question: I'm planning an outdoor bog garden for Darlingtonia in Walnut Cove, NC (zone 7). What size lava rock do you recommend? What other soil ingredients help?

Answer

Hi Daniel,

Use 1-inch-minus lava rock (scoria), often sold for landscaping. A good Darlingtonia mix: equal parts peat moss, perlite or pumice, bark, and lava rock—quick-draining, low-nutrient. Top with live sphagnum moss if possible. Install a drip water system; it's essential for hot Piedmont summers. More details at our care pages: www.cobraplant.com/caresheets.

Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com