Drosera intermedia aka Oblong Leaf Sundew

Drosera intermedia is a small carnivorous plant in the sundew family. Common names include spoonleaf sundew and oblong-leaved sundew. Its native range spans Europe to Turkey and much of eastern North America. It also reaches parts of South America, including eastern Brazil. It is native to Britain and Ireland. In the wild, it grows in bogs and other wet places.

This short-lived perennial grows at a moderate rate. Plants reach about 0.08–0.25 feet [0.025–0.076 metres] tall and wide. Most form a low rosette of leaves. Strong plants may develop a short stem with leaves along it. Leaves crowd the base but spread farther apart above. Each leaf is bright green and shaped like a paddle. Red, sticky hairs cover the upper surface and catch insects. The leaf undersides stay smooth and green. Leaves measure less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] long.

Flowers appear from July to September in small, one-sided clusters. Each cluster holds three to eight white, pink, or red blooms. The bare flower stalk starts curled, then opens as it grows. It rises above the leaves and bears five-petalled flowers. Each flower has five stamens with yellow tips. Dry, oval seed capsules follow from August to October. They split when ripe to release tiny, reddish-brown seeds. The seeds have a bumpy surface.

Grow this sundew in full sun or partial shade. It needs an acid growing medium with very few nutrients. Keep the medium moist with rainwater or distilled water. Do not add fertiliser; trapped insects supply its nutrients. Its wetland habitat suits bog gardens and pond edges. It also grows in troughs and other containers. Indoors, set a small pot in a tray of suitable water. NC State lists it for USDA zones 4–9.

Its small size suits gardens where space is tight. It can also feature in native, rain, or children’s gardens. The insect-catching leaves give a close view of carnivorous plant life. NC State describes it as easy to grow despite its short lifespan. The same source reports no major pest or disease problems. Growers can raise plants from seed or divide them. Leaf and root cuttings offer other ways to propagate it.