About
Drosera capensis is a clumping, perennial carnivorous plant, to 15cm in height producing basal rosettes of linear-oblong to spoon-shaped leaves, 3 - 6cm (1½ - 2½ in) long on a short stem. Leaves are green and covered with red, sticky, glandular hairs, which trap and digest insect prey. A red-leaved form is also available in cultivation. Racemes to 30cm (12in) in height, of 6-20, rose-pink flowers 2cm (¾in) across, are produced from spring through to autumn and occasionally into 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 shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in a mix of equal parts fertiliser-free peat substitute and sand, in full light, although may need shading from hot midday sun in summer. The compost should be kept continually moist to wet during the growing season by standing the container in a tray of lime-free water, such as rainwater or Reverse Osmosis water. Keep just moist during the winter and do not stand the plants in water. Do not apply fertiliser at all through the year. Minimum temperatures should be no lower than 5C in the winter. In consistently lower temperatures the plant produces overwintering buds called hibernacula at the apex of the old stem, whilst the foliage dies back. When the plant dies back to the roots, it often regenerates again in the spring when the temperatures rise. For further information see Carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe. Stored seed rapidly loses viability. Leaf cuttings during the growing season and root cuttings taken when dormant are alternative methods of propagation
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free