Drosera binata
double-leaved sundew
An insectivorous perennial with slender, forked leaves densely covered with red, glandular hairs, which are used to trap and digest insects. In summer it produces white flowers held in clusters above the foliage
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Droseraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
Unresolved
- Plant range
- Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in mix of equal parts fertiliser-free peat substitute and sand, in full light with shade from hot sun. The compost should be kept continually moist in the growing season by standing the container in a tray of soft (lime-free) water, such as rainwater. During the winter, plants enter a period of dormancy so keep plants moist, not sodden. Outdoors grow in wet, peaty, acidic, nutritionally poor soil in full sun. See Carnivorous plant cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed as soon as ripe, or by root cuttings when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Trim off faded top growth in late autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.