About
A cormous perennial with sword-shaped leaves and branched spikes of curved, tubular orange-red flowers 5cm in length, with 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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Bulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toSouth Africa (E Cape, W 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 by seed sown at 13-18°C in autumn or division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free