Watsonia borbonica
bugle lily
A clump-forming, cormous perennial to 1.5m, with narrowly sword-shaped leaves to 75cm long. In summer it produces branched spikes of up to 20 bright pink flowers; these are good for cutting
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Watsonia are cormous perennials with erect, linear to narrowly lance-shaped leaves and curved, tubular flowers with spreading lobes, borne in simple or branched spikes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors, grow in light, well-drained soil in a warm and sheltered position. Keep well watered during the growing season. Protect with a deep, dry mulch in winter, or lift and store the corms. Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand and leaf mould in full sun. In growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every month; keep just moist while dormant
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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