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Watsonia aletroides

Watsonia aletroides
Watsonia

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This Watsonia is a semi-hardy bulbous plant, bearing spike inflorescences of tubular flowers in spring, with a vibrant hue that is intermediate between coral pink and shrimp pink. This plant displays sword-shaped, glossy leaves, reminiscent of Gladioli. It thrives in well-drained, light soil that is kept moist during the growing season, and in full sun.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
60 cm
Spread at maturity
20 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -6°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April, September to October
Recommended planting time February to May
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

Native to the Cape region in South Africa, Watsonia aletroides is a semi-hardy bulbous plant that bears spike-like inflorescences of tubular flowers in spring, with a vibrant shade that is intermediate between coral pink and shrimp pink. This plant has sword-shaped, glossy leaves reminiscent of Gladioli. It thrives in well-drained, light soil that is moist during the growing season and dry in summer, and prefers full sun.

 

Belonging to the Iridaceae family like Crocosmias, Schizostylis, and Dietes, Watsonia aletroides is a cormous plant with medium green, glossy foliage that resembles Gladioli leaves and reaches a height of 40cm (16in). In its native habitat, it grows on rocky slopes, high plateaus, and grassy slopes. From late spring to early summer, depending on the climate, it produces upright, unbranched inflorescences that are 60cm (24in) in height and adorned with a dozen elongated trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers have a slightly upturned edge and are an indescribable translucent, shiny watermelon red-pink color. They measure 4 to 5cm (2in) in length and gently tilt towards the ground. When left to its own devices in a mild climate, the plant gradually forms beautiful clumps through the production of underground bulblets.

 

In the intense light of June, the inflorescences of Watsonia aletroides create original and highly colourful scenes. For a modern mass planting with exotic flair, mix your Watsonia aletroides bulbs with Kniphofias, Crocosmias, Libertias, and Carex. This plant is cultivated similarly to Gladioli, which are lifted after the foliage has turned yellow and then replanted in early spring. It also makes beautiful container displays for decorating a terrace or balcony.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 20 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 4 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Watsonia

Species

aletroides

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

Watsonia

Origin

South Africa

Product reference50101

Other Watsonia

Out of stock
From 24,50 € 4L/5L pot
2
From 24,50 € 4L/5L pot

Planting and care

Hardy down to -7, -8°C (17.6°F), Watsonia aletroides likes moist soils from September-October to May-June, and dry soils in summer. In its natural habitat, it is an accommodating plant that tolerates clayey and heavy soils, as long as they are dry in summer. It is a plant adapted to a Mediterranean climate, suited to summer drought which corresponds to its dormancy period. It primarily dislikes humid summers and winters that are both harsh and rainy. In colder regions, plant it facing south, on a sand dune, in a rockery or on a slope. When planting, replace your topsoil with pure sand to maximize drainage around the bulb. Store the bulbs in a box filled with turf and keep them in a dry, frost-free place. In Mediterranean regions, where winter frosts are not too severe, this Watsonia, planted deep (25 or 30cm (10 or 12in) deep to ensure good anchoring of the stems), can remain in the ground, in full sun, with regular watering if spring is dry.

1
7,50 € Bag

Planting period

Best planting time March to April, September to October
Recommended planting time February to May
Planting depth 25 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -6°C (USDA zone 9a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil moisture Moist soil, Sandy

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs protection

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