Dionaea muscipula 'South West Giant'
An insectivorous perennial forming rosettes to 30cm wide. The leaves are formed of hinged lobes to 6cm long, with 15-20 stiff spines at the margins; these interlock when the trap closes. The traps are yellow-green on the outside and flushed burgundy on the inside. White flowers to 1cm across are produced on slender stems above the foliage in early summer.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Droseraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Dionaea are a genus of carniverous plants known commonly as Venus Flytrap. They catch insects and arachnids as prey via tiny hairs situated on the inner surface of their leaves
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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 Dionaea and carnivorous plant cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 10-13°C in spring; place the container in a water tray to keep the growing medium moist. Germination is often very slow. Divide in spring, or take leaf cuttings in late spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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