Watsonia Pilansii "Bugle Lily" 4Liter

Watsonia pillansii

Botanical Name

Watsonia pillansii

Common Names

• Bugle Lily
• Watsonia
• African Watsonia

Product Description

Watsonia pillansii is a striking, cormous perennial known for its tall flower spikes adorned with trumpet-shaped flowers, typically in shades of pink to red. Native to South Africa, it is drought-tolerant and hardy, making it ideal for borders, rockeries, and naturalistic garden plantings. This low-maintenance plant adds vertical interest and vibrant colour to gardens and is also attractive to bees and butterflies.

Size When Fully Grown

• Height: ± 60–120 cm
• Spread: ± 30–50 cm
• Growth habit: Upright, clump-forming

Best Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun
  • Ensures strong growth and prolific flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas.
• Watering: Low to moderate
  • Drought-tolerant once established; water during active growth and flowering.
• Climate:
  • Suited to most South African climates
  • Performs well in coastal, inland, and semi-arid areas; hardy to mild frost
• Maintenance: Low
  • Remove faded flowers to encourage repeat flowering
  • Lift and store corms in frost-prone areas during winter if necessary

Best Planting Season & Growth Cycle (South Africa)

• Best Time to Plant: Autumn to early winter (after corm dormancy)
• Active Growing Season: Spring through summer
• Flowering Season: Late spring to summer
• Seasonal Notes:
  • Dormant in winter; foliage dies back naturally
  • Ideal for water-wise and low-maintenance gardens
  • Provides vertical colour in mixed borders or naturalized settings