WATSONIA. South Africa, Madagascar. Sturdy evergreen or deciduous perennials related to Gladiolus. Most form compact colonies by means of offsets from underground corms. Each mature corm produces a fan of flat, usually sword shaped leaves and a taller stalk displaying long-tubed, lily-like blossoms. All prefer full sun and thrive in most soils. Watering and hardiness as noted.

aletroides. One of the smaller species, with 8-12" leaves and a 1' to 1½' flower stalk. The plant appears in fall and blooms in mid to late spring. The flowers are tubular nearly their entire length, 1½" to 2" long, with a narrow face. In this selection they are deep coral pink; others may range to scarlet. Moderate watering while in growth and bloom, little or none after the foliage withers. Probably 15^oF.

beatricis hybrids. The species is distinguished by its large thickets and narrow 2’ fans of dark, evergreen leaves. Three-inch blossoms open in summer along dense spikes up to 5’ tall, the show lasting many weeks. Our longtime offering with flame-orange blossoms was recently dubbed ‘Rose’s Flame’ for the late Rose Williams, who gave us the original stock. More recent seedling strains from the garden of Western Hills Nursery range from white to crimson in color. Selected clones from these are now available. Moderate watering. Probably hardy to 10^oF.

coccinea. A more typical watsonia, with leaves up to 1’ high and stems to 18". The flowers appear in late winter and early spring. They have long tubes and are up to 2" wide at the tips. Their color ranges from bright red to orange and pink. About 20^oF., possibly less.

Dow hybrids. These originated with seed from Peter B. Dow Ltd. in New Zealand. Those with the best and brightest flowers have been selected out for division and further seed collection. All are vigorous plants with broad, light green leaves. The flower spikes will be 3’ high or more in the garden, displaying many graceful 3" blossoms colored white, pink, mauve or glowing red in late spring and early summer. Clonal selections from this strain will be named shortly. They are mostly summer deciduous. Normal fall to spring rain should satisfy their requirements. Hardy to 10-15^oF.

galpinii. A robust species, with 1’ leaves and flowering stalks 3’ or more in height. It flowers in summer, carrying many brilliant red-orange blossoms on branched spikes. Its hardiness is uncertain; assume 20-25^oF. for the moment.

humilis. This is a charming dwarf species, with broad 4-6" fans of leaves and 8-12" stems carrying several relatively large blossoms colored deep pink with darker centers. Spring blooming and summer deciduous. Watering as for the Dow hybrids. Evidently hardy to around 20^oF.

intermedia. A particularly beautiful species, much resembling W. humilis above, but growing 1-2' tall. Growing season and culture are basically the same.