Water
Water generously during the growing season, especially in warmer months. Reduce watering significantly as the foliage begins to yellow and die back, allowing the corms to dry out for dormancy.
Ensure good drainage to prevent rot.
Also known as Bugle-Lily · Pink Watsonia · Pyramid Watsonia
Cape Bugle-Lily (Watsonia borbonica) is a striking perennial bulb from South Africa, known for its tall spikes of tubular pink to purple flowers, blooming in spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and growth.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings during the growing season. Reduce significantly when dormant.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Enjoys warm summer temperatures during growth and cooler conditions for dormancy.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth, but cease as foliage yellows.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water generously during the growing season, especially in warmer months. Reduce watering significantly as the foliage begins to yellow and die back, allowing the corms to dry out for dormancy.
Ensure good drainage to prevent rot.
Remove spent flower spikes promptly after blooming to prevent seed formation and conserve the plant's energy. Cut back the foliage only when it has completely yellowed and died back naturally, usually in late summer or early autumn.
Propagate by offsets or corms. Carefully dig up mature corms after the foliage has died back. Separate any smaller cormels from the parent corms and replant them in well-drained soil. Division of clumps can also be done.
Repot established plants every 2-3 years, or when they become overcrowded. This is best done during their dormant period. Ensure the new pot offers ample space for the corms to develop and provides excellent drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cape Bugle-Lily (Watsonia borbonica)
Where Cape Bugle-Lily (Watsonia borbonica) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Watsonia |
| Species | Watsonia borbonica |
Similar in genus Watsonia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
