Watsonia - Ivory Towers

Family: Iridaceae

Common Name(s): Bugle Lily 

Native to: South Africa

Flowering: Spring

Watering: Water frequently during the growing season to promote growth. Cease watering during dormancy.

Planting Aspect: Full Sun

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Grassland

Description

Watsonia plants resemble gladioli in producing spikes of fragrant, tubular, orange, pink, red or white flowers above erect and sword shaped leaves. However they differ in that they produce blooms that are more tubular and held in a flat plane facing in opposite directions. They make excellent spring to early summer background colour to all garden borders by growing to over 1metre in height. They are relatively trouble free and easy to grow, but are only lightly frost tolerant.

Cultivation

Watsonia corms are very tough and resilient, therefore can be grown in most soils that are moderately well drained in a sunny location. Plant the corms in autumn 5 to 7cm deep and 15 to 25cm apart. Any readily available organic or manufactured fertiliser can be side dressed during the growing season. They do like plenty of moisture in the growing season, but can tolerate dry conditions in summer as they become dormant and may be left undisturbed for many years. They have no particular pest or disease problems.