watsonia

Watsonia should be watered at least 2 times a week. Water until the soil is damp but not soggy; it should not be allowed to dry out completely. A general rule of thumb is to water deeply and less often; a thorough watering once a week is better than a light sprinkle every day. Depending on your location and season, it may need more or less water, so make sure to monitor the soil moisture. In the summer, more frequent watering may be necessary to prevent dehydration.

Watsonia borbonica, also known as the Bourbon lily, is an evergreen perennial native to South Africa. This plant prefers full sun and thrives in areas with moderate winter temperatures and some frost protection. Supplemental lighting is beneficial for Watsonia borbonica during the winter months when natural sunlight is reduced. For optimal growth, the plant should receive 8-10 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day, especially during its growing season from late spring to late summer. In the spring and summer months, sunlight between 9am and 4pm is ideal to provide enough lighting for the plant while avoiding the extreme heat of the midday sun. When days are shorter and less sunlight is available during the winter months, providing more intensive lighting can help keep the plant healthy. A combination of direct and indirect lighting, such as filtered sunlight under trees or protected under a porch, can help ensure enough available light for Watsonia borbonica.

Pruning Watsonia borbonica (also known as Bugle Lily) is an easy gardening task that helps promote larger, healthier, and more vibrant blooms. Prune watsonia in late winter or early spring just before growth begins. Start by removing any dead, withered, or diseased stems. Make sure to cut the dead stem back to the point of healthy growth near the base of the plant. Cut back any overly vigorous stems by 1/3 to 1/2 of their length. This will allow new stems to quickly spring up. When finished, make sure to dispose of any of the pruned material in the trash, as these materials may spread disease.