WATSONIA vanderspuyae

Semi-evergreen - Keeps some of its foliage all year, and will drop some leaves as well. - sword-shaped leaves 25-60cm (10-24in) long

Red

Height - 1.5m (5ft)

Spread - 15cm (6in)

Bulb/Corm or rhizomatous perennial - clump-forming cormous perennial. 6cormous perennial. Flowers are set horizontally. Flowers open to reveal 3 long, purple anthers

Herbaceous - Early in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch.

Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)

Full sun

Partial shade

Additional Features - Good to know - - bold and striking, one of the tallest of the family. Protect with a winter mulch in frost-prone areas

Pests & Diseases - none

Place of origin - South Africa

Flower Shape - Tubular - - 6-tepalled flowers, 5cm (2in) long

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Seasonal Interest - Autumn -

Summer

Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil - - moderately fertile, humus-rich soil which does not dry out in summer