Family IRIDACEAE
Genus Watsonia
Species borbonica
SA Plant Number
Basionym Watsonia borbonica Hybrids

Watsonia borbonica hybrids are hardy, deciduous (summer dormant) clump-forming plants which send out fans of long, glossy, bright green leaves in autumn, that provide contrast and texture.  Magnificent, tall spikes of beautiful showy flowers that vary in colour from white to pink to almost red in spring and very early summer adorn the plant and command attention.

Flowering stems are sometimes branched. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for nectar and pollen-feeding insects and birds. The lush clumps of leaves provide contrast and visual texture, even when the plants are not in flower.

Lift and divide clumps during their dormant season (December to April) every three to five years for best flowering. Plant in compost rich, well drained, sandy soil, in full sun. Size: to 1m

Nectar and pollen: Flowers produce plenty of nectar and pollen which attracts both nectar and pollen eating insects as well as nectar feeding birds such as sunbirds.

Landscaping: Fanned clumps of shiny bright green strappy leaves provide colour and textural contrast in the garden.

Western Cape

Biome Fynbos

Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous , Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Bulbs and Rhizomes, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Sandy Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Form Plant, Garden Uses: Rockeries and retaining walls, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Specimen, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Pink shades, Flower colour: Red shades, Flower colour: White - Cream,

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