About
An insectivorous perennial forming a rosette of slender leaves to 6cm long, covered in glandular green or red hairs which trap and digest insects. White flowers to 2cm across are borne on stalks to 30cm tall from spring to autumn, and sometimes winter.
About the genus
Drosera, commonly known as the sundews are one of the largest genera of carnivorous plants. They are perennial or (more rarely) annual, upright herbaceous plants forming either prostrate or upright rosettes, and can live for up to 50 years.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in spent, peat-free ericaceous or specialist carnivorous plant compost in a sunny position, either under glass or in a bog garden. If pot grown, stand the containers in trays of rain water to keep the growing medium wet. Water only with soft (ideally rain) water; fertilising is unnecessary. See carnivorous plant cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 10-13°C as soon as ripe. Take cuttings from young, fully-developed leaves, or take root cuttings when dormant
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free