©Dolezal Publishing/Donna Krischan
Family
Droseraceae
Botanical Name
Drosera
Plant Common Name
Sundew
General Description
Native to bogs and other damp acidic habitats worldwide, sundews are distinguished by their hairy, insect-trapping leaves, which typically occur in basal rosettes. Most of the approximately 100 sundew species are perennials or annuals; many are evergreen.
The linear to rounded, typically long-stalked leaves of these hardy to tender herbs are topped with stout, red or purple hairs, each bearing a drop of dew-like resin at the tip. The hairs snare and digest small insects. The light green to deep red leaves are usually configured in ground-hugging rosettes that arise from underground rhizomes or tubers. A few sundews have a vining habit. Many deciduous sundews die back to a winter rosette of plump leaf buds known as a hibernaculum.
Most sundews bloom in summer, bearing small white, pink, red, or purple flowers either singly or in elongated, often one-sided clusters. Small fruit capsules follow, with self-sowing often occurring.
These wetland natives need ample light and damp, acidic, relatively infertile soil. Grow sundews in a 50/50 sand/peat mix in a container whose base is immersed in water, or plant them in the garden in a moist peat bed. Tender sundews can be overwintered in a cool sunny indoor location. Propagate plants by division, stem or root cuttings, or seed. These relatively easy-to-grow insectivores are popular with fanciers of carnivorous plants.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Color
White, Red, Purple, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Red, Green, Purple, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Red, Green, Purple, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Red, Green, Purple, 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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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bog Garden, Container, Houseplant, Tropical, Water Gardens
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
