Drosera capillaris aka Pink Sundew

Drosera capillaris is known as pink sundew or bog sundew. It belongs to the sundew family, Droseraceae. Its native range spans tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas. This includes the southeastern United States, Mexico, and the Antilles. It also extends into Central and South America. In North Carolina, it grows in wet, peaty pine savannas. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This small plant grows as an annual or short-lived perennial. Its height is about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres]. Its spread ranges from 0.08–0.25 feet [0.025–0.076 metres]. The rounded, simple leaves spread flat along the ground. They form rosettes with sticky, gland-tipped hairs that trap insects. The name capillaris refers to these hairs. Full sun can turn the whole plant red. With less light, leaves stay green with red trapping hairs. The leaf colours listed also include yellow or gold.

Pink flowers appear from May through August. They add colour above the low, spreading leaves. The fruits are capsules, present from July through October. Plants may lose vigour once they finish flowering. Seeds provide a way to replace plants that decline. This short life span matters when planning a lasting display. A plant may keep growing through winter in warm, bright shelter. A greenhouse or bright indoor space can provide those conditions.

NC State recommends full sun for growing this sundew. Chicago Botanic Garden instead lists partial shade. It needs an acidic growing medium with few nutrients. Sand and material rich in organic matter suit its needs. Keep the medium moist, with occasional wet conditions. Use rainwater or distilled water rather than adding fertiliser. The insects it traps supply the nutrients it needs. For pot culture, NC State suggests a tray of distilled water. Its listed USDA range is 8a–10b at NC State. Chicago gives zones 7–10. It tolerates some frost, but not a long, hard freeze.

Its small size suits pots indoors or outside. It also fits terrariums, rain gardens, and native plant gardens. It can serve as an accent in a children's garden. Wet sites near ponds are among its listed landscape settings. NC State reports no major pest or disease problems. Its main noted drawback is its short life span. The supplied sources do not establish edibility or toxicity.