About
A cormous perennial with sword-shaped leaves and upright spikes of curved, tubular, orange flowers, 5cm in length, with narrow, spreading lobes, from late summer.
About the genus
Watsonia are cormous perennials with erect, linear to narrowly lance-shaped leaves and curved, tubular flowers with spreading lobes, borne in simple or branched spikes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toSouth Africa (W Cape, E Cape, KwaZulu-Natal)
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand and humus. Keep just moist when dormant. Can be grown outdoors in light, well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer. Protect from frosts with a dry winter mulch
PruningDeadhead as required
PropagationPropagate from seed (indoors) sown at 13-18°C in autumn or division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free