About
An insectivorous perennial to 25cm tall, forming a rosette of slender, upright, leaves which are covered in red, glandular hairs. In summer white flowers are produced. These secrete a sweet, sticky substance to trap and digest insects.
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 moisturePoorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toE North America
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in mix of equal parts fertiliser-free peat substitute and sand, in full light with shade from hot sun. The compost should be kept continually moist in the growing season by standing the container in a tray of soft (lime-free) water, such as rainwater. During the winter, plants enter a period of dormancy so keep plants moist, not sodden. Outdoors grow in wet, naturally peaty, acidic, nutritionally poor soil in full sun. See Carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningTrim off faded top growth in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed as soon as ripe, or by root cuttings when dormant
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free