Culture
North of USDA Zone 8, watsonia is grown in the same manner as gladiolus. In St. Louis, plant corms 3-4” deep and 6” apart in spring. Plant in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates a somewhat wide range of soils. Foliage dies back after bloom at which point corms should be dug, dried and stored in a cool frost-free location until the following spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Watsonia borbonica, commonly known as bugle lily, is native to South Africa. It belongs to the iris family and produces rose pink tubular, trumpet (bugle)-shaped flowers (to 2.5” long) on tall flower spikes rising to 4-5’ tall. A white-flowered form is also available. Flowers are fragrant and bloom in late spring to early summer. Upright fans of sword-shaped, iris-like green leaves (to 2.5’ long). Synonymous with and formerly known as Watsonia pyramidata.
Genus name honors Sir William Watson (1715-1787), English scientist and physician.
Specific epithet means from the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, once called Ile Bourbon or in honor of the Bourbon kings of France.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Beds, borders or large containers.