Watsonia (Bugle Lily)
Watsonia is a genus of about 50 species of perennials in the Iridaceae family, native to southern Africa. Watsonia produces sword-shaped or lance-shaped leaves and showy spikes of tubular flowers with spreading lobes. With their bright colors and tall flowering spikes, these lovely plants will add a colorful vibrance to any landscape. Give them sunshine and some occasional water and they will pull out a smile from your face every time you see them.
Name meaning:
The genus name is given in honor of English botanist, physician and naturalist Sir William Watson (1715-1787).
Its common name (Bugle Lily) is derived from its distinctly bugle (or trumpet) shape.
Watsonia symbolism:
Watsonia symbolizes innocence, purity and chastity.
Interesting facts about Watsonia:
Watsonia borbonica is particularly abundant following a fire, during the first and second years after disaster. It provides a major source of food for nectar feeding insects and birds in areas that have burnt.
A few species (such as Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera) have become aggressive weeds in Australia, New Zealand, and California.
