Drosera hamiltonii
Ease to Grow: Easy
Dormancy: No
Native Range: Sandy-peat wetlands of coastal southwestern Australia
Zones: 10 (9-11)
The Rosy Sundew, Drosera hamiltonii, is a compact Australian sundew with beautiful maroon and green, strap-shaped leaves, densely covered with fine pink-tipped tentacles, and arranged in a tight rosette. New leaves unfurl like a carpet being rolled out. In prime conditions the leaves sparkle with heavy silvery dew, but it is common to have a matted "wet-dog" look, which does not distract from its fine deep coloration. It is a sturdy sundew, and tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, but prefers open, sunny spots with consistently moist, sandy-peaty soil. It generally grows year round. If stressed, the leaves will fade, only to sprout new ones in short order. It flowers from June to July with large (1.5") flowers that are dark pink with fine red veins. Several flowers are often in bloom simultaneously, and provide a dazzling display. They attract a great deal of attention. Flowering often requires seasonal changes in temperature and day length. It does not readily produce seeds in cultivation. It likes being pot-bound, which actually encourages the formation of new plants from root buds. Leaf cutting work. Root cuttings are easier. This is a remarkable sundew with a beautiful flower display and makes a great addition to your collection. D. hamiltonii shares the same habitat with Cephalotus follicularis, and Utricularia simplex. This selection comes from root cuttings and are identical to the parents.
Plants are shipped bare-root, wrapped in damp sphagnum moss. Photographs are representative of species, and not the specific plant shipped.
Height: 1" - 2"
Plant Type: Perennial, tropical
Soil: Upper Bog Mix or All Purpose Mix
Light: Bright to partial bright indoors, partial sun and light shade outdoors
Use: Grows well in the protected bog garden in summer, greenhouse and indoors. It is an excellent terrarium plant.
