A bold and graceful presence in the late spring to early summer garden, Watsonia meriana produces tall, upright spikes of brilliant salmon-pink to coral flowers held high above fans of sword-like, green foliage. Each flower spike can reach up to 4–5 feet tall, creating an eye-catching vertical accent in mixed borders or naturalized plantings. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators and I have had to shoo a few hummingbirds out of the bulb house after they have found these tasty treats.
Native to the winter-rainfall regions of South Africa’s Western Cape, W. meriana thrives in open, sunny slopes and grasslands where it benefits from wet winters and dry, warm summers. In its native habitat, it is commonly found in well-drained soils, particularly on rocky hillsides and disturbed areas.
In cultivation, Watsonia meriana is easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. It performs best with regular moisture during its active growing season (fall through late spring), followed by a dry summer dormancy. Hardy in USDA Zones 8–10, it can tolerate occasional light frost but may require mulching or lifting in colder climates. In warm regions, it can naturalize readily, and in some areas like California, it has escaped cultivation—so it is best planted with care near wildlands. A true caveat that should be said about any bulb in this catalog, it is up to you to do your research on the invasive characteristics and if there is a potential for that in your climate. Here in Oregon it is too cold and wet in the winter for this to naturalize
With its upright form, showy blooms, and minimal maintenance needs, Watsonia meriana makes a stunning addition to Mediterranean gardens, wildflower meadows, and waterwise landscapes.
A bold and graceful presence in the late spring to early summer garden, Watsonia meriana produces tall, upright spikes of brilliant salmon-pink to coral flowers held high above fans of sword-like, green foliage. Each flower spike can reach up to 4–5 feet tall, creating an eye-catching vertical accent in mixed borders or naturalized plantings. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators and I have had to shoo a few hummingbirds out of the bulb house after they have found these tasty treats.
Native to the winter-rainfall regions of South Africa’s Western Cape, W. meriana thrives in open, sunny slopes and grasslands where it benefits from wet winters and dry, warm summers. In its native habitat, it is commonly found in well-drained soils, particularly on rocky hillsides and disturbed areas.
In cultivation, Watsonia meriana is easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. It performs best with regular moisture during its active growing season (fall through late spring), followed by a dry summer dormancy. Hardy in USDA Zones 8–10, it can tolerate occasional light frost but may require mulching or lifting in colder climates. In warm regions, it can naturalize readily, and in some areas like California, it has escaped cultivation—so it is best planted with care near wildlands. A true caveat that should be said about any bulb in this catalog, it is up to you to do your research on the invasive characteristics and if there is a potential for that in your climate. Here in Oregon it is too cold and wet in the winter for this to naturalize
With its upright form, showy blooms, and minimal maintenance needs, Watsonia meriana makes a stunning addition to Mediterranean gardens, wildflower meadows, and waterwise landscapes.
