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Conservatory GreenhouseBogs

Drosera capensis

Cape sundew

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

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green Red
Summer Pink Green Red
Autumn Pink Green Red
Winter Pink Green Red
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Droseraceae
Native to the UK
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

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