Drosera capensis. Getty Images

Drosera capensis

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Cape sundewHouse plantFamily: Droseraceae

Height: 15cmSpread: 20cm

Flower colour:

Pink

Foliage colour:

Bronze

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing

Soil

Boggy

The Cape sundew (Drosera capensis) is a carnivorous perennial with a rosette of strap-like leaves covered in sticky hairs that catch and digest small insects. Pink flowers are borne on long green stems.

This easy-to-grow sundew is ideal as an introduction to carnivorous plants. It will thrive on a sunny, south-facing windowsill and help keep your house free of fungus gnats, midges and fruit flies. Drosera capensis contrasts beautifully with the white form, Drosera capensis 'Alba', which has much paler green leaves and white flowers.

Cape sundews do best in full sun in a nutrient-poor, acidic medium such as a peat-free specialist carnivorous compost. Keep compost wet during spring and summer by standing the pot in a tray of rainwater. Remove from the tray in autumn and winter, but ensure that the compost stays moist.

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Drosera ‘Capensis’ and wildlife

Drosera ‘Capensis’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Drosera ‘Capensis’ poisonous?

Drosera ‘Capensis’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People