About
This slender, clump-forming, cormous perennial to 1m tall, with sword-shaped leaves to 60cm long. From summer to autumn it produces branched spikes of up to 25 pale orange flowers.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in light, well-drained soil in a warm and sheltered position. Keep well watered during the growing season. Protect with a deep, dry mulch in winter, or lift and store the corms. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand and leaf mould in full sun. In growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every month; keep just moist while dormant
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free