Overview

Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt is a tufted bulbs in the genus Watsonia, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants, conservatory and greenhouse, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.

About

Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt is a tufted perennial cultivar from the Watsonia genus, which grows from corms and features upright, linear or narrowly lanceolate leaves. This deciduous plant produces tubular, curved flowers with lobes that spread outward, arranged in spikes, and is best grown in full sun with a south or west-facing aspect in a sheltered position. It thrives in moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils of varying pH and is hardy to UK zone H3. Suitable for patios, containers, conservatories, and flower borders, it flowers in spring and can be propagated by seed or division.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Watsonia

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Bulbs
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Conservatory and greenhouse, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt

Propagation
Seed, Division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt?

Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt need?

Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt hardy in the UK?

Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Watsonia borbonica subsp. ardernei (Sander) Goldblatt?

Seed, Division.

More in the Watsonia genus

Browse all Watsonia