Sundew

tuberaria lignosa

Also known as: ["Rock Rose","False Sundew"]

Family: Cistaceae Genus: Tuberaria Category: Shrubs

Overview

A small, deciduous shrub native to Mediterranean regions, known for its yellow flowers and drought tolerance.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Cistaceae
Genus: Tuberaria
Botanical Name: Tuberaria lignosa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or coastal areas
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun to prevent scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh midday sun in summer; rotate regularly for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of sand and compost; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F/10–24°C); thrives in cooler climates.

Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot weather; maintain moderate temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; stop in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F/18–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut back leggy stems to a healthy bud.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Sharp, clean pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out crowded roots; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Prepare new pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to target roots precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering in fall-winter to near-drought conditions.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop.

Cold Stress

Can tolerate light frost but prolonged cold may damage or kill the plant.

Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors during freezes.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during active growth (spring-summer); avoid fertilizing in fall-winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Tuberaria lignosa may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Tuberaria lignosa is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced growth and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Tuberaria lignosa may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Tuberaria lignosa due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Tuberaria lignosa is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce compounds that are harmful to felines when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for growing this plant in environments where cats are present.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Tuberaria lignosa is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or studies indicating that ingestion of this plant causes harm to canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for growing this plant in environments where dogs are present.
Humans
Non-toxic

Tuberaria lignosa is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause adverse physiological effects upon ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Tuberaria lignosa suitable for beginners?

A: It is moderately challenging to care for, so it is better suited for intermediate gardeners.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How drought-tolerant is Tuberaria lignosa?

A: It is moderately drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for dry climates.

Quick Reference
Family: Cistaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Sunrose
View
White Rockrose
View
Dwarf Rockrose
View
Wavy-leaved Rockrose
View