Watsonia Plants and Bulbs
Watsonia, a perennial plant growing from corms or bulbs.
They produce erect spikes of showy flowers. These bulbs are very easy to grow and prefer full sun and can be found for sale from autumn through winter at mail order nurseries listed or as potted plants at other times of the year.
Pictured right is Watsonia ‘Wedding Bells’ a lovely pink flowering variety.
A native of South Africa, they easy to grow, and provide tall flower spikes during spring that are a feature in the garden border. With white through to red flowers they do make great cut flowers.
Watsonai x aletroides is a attractive spring flowering variety that will reach around 50 cm in height.
How To Grow Watsonia – Planting Bulb and Basic care
These are drought tolerant and prefer full sun. Bulbs and Plants are TOUGH, they thrive on neglect, take care not to let them, take over.
- When to Plant
Watsonia bulbs are best planted in late autumn or early spring, giving them enough time to establish roots before flowering in spring.
If you’re planting in colder climate zones, early autumn planting is recommended to ensure the bulbs have a cold period to trigger growth. - Planting Depth
Plant Watsonia bulbs about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) deep in the soil.
This depth helps protect the bulbs during colder months and encourages strong root development. If planting in containers, ensure they have enough depth to accommodate the roots comfortably. - Soil Requirements
Watsonias prefer well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0-7.0) is best. Sandy loam or a well-amended clay soil with good drainage will work best. If your soil is heavy, improve drainage by adding sand or organic compost. - Sunlight /Light
Watsonia bulbs need full sun for optimal growth and flowering. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In hot climate zones ,some light shade in the afternoon is recommended. - Fertilizer
A general purpose organic slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring works well for Watsonias. You can supplement this with a liquid fertilizer in very poor soil. - Spacing
Space bulbs about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart. This lessens root completion and also allows for better air circulation. - Watering
Regular watering during active growth is recommended. A wet dry cycle is best with the soil being allowed to dry a little between waterings. - Pruning
Remove spent flower heads to tidy bup the plant. Leave foliage until it dies back, this allows the plant to put energy back into the bulbs. When the foliage dies back, prune back right to ground level and dispose of the of foliage and flower stems.
Popular Varieties
Some Popular Watsonia Varieties said not to be invasive Include:
W. aletroides : Pink to red flowers.
W. borbonica : Pink, Red, Or Orange Flowers.
W. marginata alba: White flowering
W. vanderspuyia: Very tall growing with red flowers
W. pyramida: Pink Flowers
Invasive varieties include
In some areas Watsonia can become an environmental weed.
W. meriana var. bulbillifera produces bulbs along the stem is one such species and is regarded as invasive.
Care Summary
- Full sun to part shade
- Well drained soil
- Little watering is required except in very dry summers
- Fertilizer can be applied, however not needed often
- Flowers – Spring to summer a range of colours
- Watsonia species can reach 1 – 2m in height depending on the variety, W. vanderspuyia is perhaps the tallest species with large foliage as well.
Watsonia Bulbs are available for sale from the following nurseries
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
"Large range of rare and unusual plants.."
www.gentiananursery.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
