About
An insectivorous perennial with long-stalked leaves forming basal rosettes. The almost circular leaves up to 1cm across are covered with sticky, red-tipped, gland-bearing hairs for trapping small insects and are held on horizontally-spreading, hairy leaf stalks 1-5cm long. Small flowers, usually with 5-6 white to pink petals are held on erect, slender, hairless stems up to 15cm tall which emerge from the centre of the leaf rosette in summer.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBogs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Asia
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. During the winter, plants enter a period of dormancy so keep just moist during the winter and do not stand the plants in water. If growing in a bog garden, plant in good light, but not in direct sunlight. For further information see Carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe or by division of clumps after flowering. 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