Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Iridaceae

Genus:

Watsonia

Species:

Watsonia meriana

USDA Symbol:

WAME

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

150 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

orange, red, pink

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to South African fynbos; resprouts from corms after fire and may increase flowering post-burn.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to South Africa's fynbos region

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

21–45 days

Notes:

Corms and cormels are the primary propagation method; seed germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI