Watsonia

A very showy genus of about 52 species from the winter and summer rainfall regions, most of which are deciduous, with a small group of evergreen species.  Watsonia are ideal for mass garden displays and are good plants for soil retention on banks, offering spectacular displays when in flower. All species require full sun and most prefer well-drained, composted soil. They are great subjects for low maintenance gardens and their flowers are a favourite among sunbirds.

Name	Watsonia angusta
Common name	Red watsonia
African name
D/E	evergreen
Rainfall	summer
Height	60cm
Light requirements	fs
Flowers	March
Medicinal uses

Name	Watsonia borbonica - white
Common name
African name
D/E	deciduous
Rainfall	winter
Height	1m
Light requirements	fs
Flowers	November
Medicinal uses

Name	Watsonia densiflora
Common name	Natal watsonia
African name
D/E	evergreen
Rainfall	summer
Height	80cm
Light requirements	fs
Flowers	December
Medicinal uses	Used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhoea and as a good luck harm to ensure good harvests. The corm is also eaten in rural communities.

Name	Watsonia meriana -cerise
Common name
African name
D/E	deciduous
Rainfall	winter
Height	90cm
Light requirements	fs
Flowers	September
Medicinal uses

Name	Watsonia meriana - vanilla
Common name
African name
D/E	deciduous
Rainfall	winter
Height	80cm
Light requirements	fs
Flowers	October
Medicinal uses

Name	Watsonia pillansii "orange"
Common name	Pillan's wilsonia
African name
D/E	evergreen
Rainfall	summer
Height	1m
Light requirements	fs
Flowers	March
Medicinal uses

Name	Watsonia pillansii "pink"
Common name	Pillan's watsonia
African name
D/E	evergreen
Rainfall	summer
Height	1m
Light requirements	fs
Flowers	feburary
Medicinal uses