Family
Droseraceae
Botanical Name
Drosera capensis
Plant Common Name
Cape Sundew, Sundew
General Description
Native to marshes and other damp habitats in southwestern South Africa, this evergreen herbaceous perennial is a favorite of collectors of carnivorous plants.
This tender perennial produces rosettes of pale green to red, spatula-shaped leaves that are held on long broad stalks. The upper surface of each leaf blade is lined with stout, red or purple, glandular hairs, each bearing a drop of dew-like resin at the tip. The hairs snare and digest small insects. The leaf rosettes arise from underground rhizomes. Older rosettes may develop short woody stems at their base. In summer and early fall, rosettes send forth short leafless stalks with one-sided clusters of delicate, purplish-pink, five-petaled flowers. Small fruit capsules follow, with self-sowing often occurring.
This wetland native needs ample light and damp, acidic, relatively infertile soil. Grow Cape sundew in a 50/50 sand/peat mix in a container whose base is immersed in water, or plant it in the garden in a moist peat bed. Plants will tolerate a few degrees of frost. In areas colder than USDA Zone 8, overwinter plants indoors in cool sunny conditons. Propagate Cape sundew by division, stem or root cuttings, or seed.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water, Ample Water
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Red, Purple, Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Red, Purple, Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Red, Purple, Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Red, Purple, Light Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Showy Bark
No
