Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Iridaceae

Genus:

Watsonia

Species:

Watsonia marginata

USDA Symbol:

WAMA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

180 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

pink, lavender, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to South African fynbos; resprouts from corms after fire. Benefits from periodic burning which reduces competition.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to South African fynbos regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

21–42 days

Notes:

Sow corms in autumn; seeds germinate in spring with warm temperatures. Seedlings take 2-3 years to reach flowering size.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI