African sword lily
watsonia borbonica
Also known as: ["African gladiolus","white watsonia"]
Overview
A tall, striking perennial bulbous plant native to South Africa, known for its sword-like leaves and tall spikes of pink or white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Watsonia |
| Botanical Name: | Watsonia borbonica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate to subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in fall to tidy up.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in cooler climates; partial shade in hot regions to prevent scorching. Adjust exposure based on seasonal temperature changes.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; protect from harsh, direct sun during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate pots for even light exposure; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for texture.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates cool nights but is sensitive to extreme heat and frost.
Protect from frost; shield from intense midday sun; maintain consistent moisture in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb burn; apply before active growth; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs (corms) after flowering when plants are dormant.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature clumps.
- Separate corms carefully.
- Replant at proper depth (2–3 times corm height).
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall, after foliage dies back and before winter dormancy.
Environment
Warm, dry conditions initially; protect from excessive moisture until bulbs are established.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix, such as cactus mix or sandy loam with added perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division.
Timeline
Immediate establishment if planted correctly; flowering may take 1–2 years depending on conditions.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary to avoid stressing the plant; ensure each division has roots and a growing point.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; cut back yellowed foliage carefully to avoid damaging emerging shoots.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; clear dead foliage before new growth emerges.
Tools
Hand pruners, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; clear debris; avoid cutting new growth; sanitize tools.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, during dormancy.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 2–3 inches wider than the current one; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove bulbs; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the correct depth; water sparingly until growth resumes.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 3–4 years. Potted plants may need repotting more frequently.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil; ensure proper depth; water lightly; provide adequate drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply during active growth (spring-summer), reduce frequency in fall, and cease watering in winter when dormant. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, sand, or coarse grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress; soft, mushy bulbs in frost damage.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause bulb rot or dormancy disruption, especially if soil remains wet. Frost can damage foliage and reduce flowering.
Solution: Plant bulbs at appropriate depth for insulation; use mulch to protect roots; move potted plants indoors or to a frost-free location during freezes.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering. Bulbs may enter premature dormancy if stressed.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; ensure good air circulation; mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; cease feeding in fall/winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop feeding during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Watsonia borbonica. The alkaloids present can cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Watsonia borbonica can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicWatsonia borbonica contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and irritation upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to localized discomfort and is not considered life-threatening unless consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Watsonia borbonica grow?
A: It can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall.
Q: Does Watsonia borbonica require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Is Watsonia borbonica suitable for container gardening?
A: It is best grown in the ground due to its large size and bulbous root system.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
