About

A clump-forming, cormous perennial, to 50cm tall, with lance-shaped, upright leaves and, in summer, spikes of pink, tubular 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Bulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationUnder glass grows best 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
PruningDeadhead as required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free