Drosera capensis

RHS Plant Profile
Cape sundew

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An evergreen carnivorous perennial, with rosettes of long, narrowly spoon-shaped leaves, covered in glandular red or pink hairs which are used to trap and digest insect prey. Clusters of pink flowers are produced from spring to autumn, and occasionally into winter

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Droseraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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.
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

In frost-prone areas, grow under glass, in full light but with shade from hot sun, and keep continually moist by standing in a saucer of rainwater. In warmer climates, grow in full sun in wet, acidic conditions such as a bog garden.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings, or by root cuttings when dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free