Overview
Watsonia marlothii is a tufted bulbs in the genus Watsonia, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Watsonia marlothii 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 marlothii is a tufted, deciduous perennial cultivar within the Watsonia genus, which belongs to the Iridaceae family. Like others in its genus, it grows from corms and features upright, narrow leaves. Its tubular flowers with curved forms and outward-spreading lobes appear in spring, arranged in simple or branched spikes. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered aspects, preferring moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils of varying pH. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is suitable for patios, containers, conservatories, flower borders, and cut flower use.
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 marlothii 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 marlothii
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Watsonia marlothii?
Watsonia marlothii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Watsonia marlothii need?
Watsonia marlothii 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 marlothii hardy in the UK?
Watsonia marlothii 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 marlothii?
Seed, Division.