About

Drosera capensis, the Cape sundew, is a vigorous, evergreen, rosette-forming carnivorous perennial from the Cape of South Africa, producing long, narrow, strap-shaped leaves covered in red, sticky, glandular hairs that trap and digest insects. Groups of attractive pink flowers are produced on slender stems from spring to autumn, and occasionally into winter. One of the easiest and most rewarding of all sundews.

About the genus

Drosera, the sundews, are carnivorous perennials forming rosettes of leaves covered with sticky, red or green, gland-tipped hairs that trap and digest insects. They range from compact, alpine rosette plants to tall, scrambling species, and are among the most diverse and widely distributed of all carnivorous plant genera.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Bogs
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesHouseplants

Care notes

CultivationIn frost-prone areas, grow under glass, in full light but with shade from hot sun, and keep continually moist by standing in a saucer of rainwater. In warmer climates, grow in full sun in wet, acidic conditions such as a bog garden.
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, softwood cuttings, or by root cuttings when dormant
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free