Question
HI I live about 30 miles north of Abilene, TX. I am fixing to start an outdoor bog. I am going to install a reverse osmosis system for watering. I would like to know what sundew would do well here and also concerns with winter dormancy or them and the sarracenia since we can reach as high as 70 degrees for a day or two but night temps still cold. I previously lived in Iowa and grew all types of sarracenia with anywhere from Z5b to Z4a winters with no protection blowing away the hardiness ratings most give per species. The heat here is what I am worried about.

Answer
Hi Angie,

Fortunately there are many heat lovers since many cp originate in the southeast US.  The only plants I would avoid would be Sarracenia purpurea ssp. purpurea, Darlingtonia, Drosera anglica, D. rotundifolia, and butterworts that originate in colder climates.  Examples would be P. macrocereas, P. vulgaris.  Most other Sarracenia and temperate sundews will be fine.  Some such as S. leucophylla and S. alata (a Texas native) may actually do better for you there.  An occasional warm winter day won't usually bring them out of dormancy since the photo-period plays a part also.


Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com