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:
Cape Bugle-Lily (Watsonia borbonica)
Watsonia borbonica is a perennial plant that produces pink or white trumpet-shaped flowers on tall flower spikes.
It is native to South Africa, where it is found on rocky, well drained slopes or sandy soils.
The plant 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.
Is Watsonia Invasive?
A few species (such as Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera) have become aggressive weeds in Australia, New Zealand, and California.
Plant Type:
Bulbs, Perennials
Color:
The flowers come in shades of red, pink, orange, purple and white.
Hardiness Zones:
8-11
Blooms in:
Spring, Autumn, Winter, Summer
Height:
The species grow from 30 cm to 2 metres (1 ft to 7 ft) in height.
Soil needs:
The soil should be acidic or neutral and should be moist and well drained.
