Watsonia
Iridaceae
Bulbs and bulblike plants, Perennials
Somewhat similar to gladiolus, but there are differences. Watsonia’s sword-shaped, 2 1/2 -ft.-long leaves are less rigid, and it has taller, slimmer flower spikes set with smaller, more trumpetlike, fragrant blossoms.
Blooms in midsummer,with slightly branched, 3 1/2-ft. stems bearing 3-in., brightreddish apricot flowers. Hybridscome in colors ranging frompeach to nearly red. This speciescan take less moisture insummer after bloom is over.
Deciduous. Blooms in late spring, bearing 2 1/2 -in. flowers in pink, rosy red, or white on 4–6-ft. stems. Hybrid forms have pink, red, or lavender blooms. Foliage dies back after bloom, reappearing in fall. Does not need regular moisture during summer dormancy but accepts it if soil is well drained. In cold areas, treat like gladiolus: plant in spring for late spring and early summer bloom, then dig and store after the foliage dies down.
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