Bugle lily (watsonia) Watsonia borbonica
Bugle lily (watsonia) (Watsonia borbonica) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Western Cape (fynbos; flowers best the year after fire). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
Plan Bugle lily (watsonia) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Bugle lily (watsonia) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western Cape (fynbos; flowers best the year after fire) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Invasive in | Australia (W. meriana): check local rules before planting |
Is Bugle lily (watsonia) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Toxicity not documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bugle lily (watsonia)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Bugle lily (watsonia) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (8 plants)
- Kirstenbosch (24 plants)
Questions about Bugle lily (watsonia)
- How far apart should I plant Bugle lily (watsonia)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Bugle lily (watsonia) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bugle lily (watsonia) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bugle lily (watsonia)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Bugle lily (watsonia) flower?
- From about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bugle lily (watsonia) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Toxicity not documented.
- What grows well with Bugle lily (watsonia)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bugle lily (watsonia). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: gardens and collections, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Notes and assumptions
- Corm; tall spikes of pink tubular flowers in late spring (south), sunbird-pollinated; summer-dormant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Japanese iris Iris ensata
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- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora