Growing Fork-Leaf Sundews and Red Drosera filiformis in a Bog Garden (Zone 7-8)

If you're in North Carolina (Zone 7-8) and want to incorporate Drosera binata varieties (like 'Multifida Extrema', 'Marston Dragon') and red D. filiformis into a bog garden, here's what you need to know.

Fork-Leaf Sundews (D. binata complex) Are Surprisingly Hardy

• We've successfully grown D. binata var. dichotoma and multifida outdoors year-round in Oregon (similar winter temps to NC). They die back to roots in winter and return vigorously in May.
• Even 'Marston Dragon' survived unprotected in teens (°F) and regrew from roots.
• They're arguably more cold-hardy than red D. filiformis.
• Summer vigor in hot, humid climates can be aggressive—plan for spreading.

Red Drosera filiformis (Florida Form) Considerations

• Native to central Florida—loves hot summers, no special summer care needed.
• Less cold-hardy than the northern D. filiformis subspecies. In pots, extended teens (°F) can kill them; in a bog garden with deeper root protection, they fare better.
• Some clones form hibernacula (winter buds), others don't—even under artificial light.

Winter Protection for Your Bog Garden (Zone 7)

• Cover with black plastic or opaque tarps during hard freezes (brief cold spells).
• Alternatively, bury plants under 12 inches of pine straw after treating with sulfur fungicide. Uncover in late February.
• No special summer cooling needed (unlike Darlingtonia).

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com