Drosera rotundifolia
round-leaved sundew
An insectivorous perennial with long-stalked leaves forming basal rosettes. The almost circular leaves up to 1cm across are covered with sticky, red-tipped, gland-bearing hairs for trapping small insects and are held on horizontally-spreading, hairy leaf stalks 1-5cm long. Small flowers, usually with 5-6 white to pink petals are held on erect, slender, hairless stems up to 15cm tall which emerge from the centre of the leaf rosette in summer
Other common names
common sundewlustwort
see moremoor-grass
red rot
rosa solis
youthwort
dew plant
eyebright
gwlithlys
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Droseraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
- Plant range
- Europe, N Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in a mix of equal parts fertiliser-free peat substitute and sand, in full light, although may need shading from hot midday sun in summer. The compost should be kept continually moist to wet during the growing season by standing the container in a tray of lime-free water, such as rainwater. During the winter, plants enter a period of dormancy so keep just moist during the winter and do not stand the plants in water. If growing in a bog garden, plant in good light, but not in direct sunlight. For further information see Carnivorous plant cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed as soon as ripe or by division of clumps after flowering. Leaf cuttings during the growing season and root cuttings taken when dormant are alternative methods of propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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