Watsonia pyramidata Peach Glow

Native to the western Cape province of South Africa, the Watsonia pyramidata or borbonica 'Peach Glow' is a not very hardy bulbous plant that bears tall spike-like flower heads in spring, adorned with numerous flowers similar to delicate and bright peach-coloured crocuses. The floral stems rise above a clump of narrow sword-shaped leaves, reminiscent of gladioli leaves, which are almost evergreen in very moist soil. It is a plant that is easy to cultivate in pots but very delicate in open ground under our climate.

Belonging to the Iridaceae family, like Crocosmias, Schizostylis and Dietes, the Watsonia pyramidata is a cormous plant with medium-sized, glossy, tapering foliage, similar to that of gladioli, reaching a height of 60 cm (24in). In its native habitat, it grows in sandy terrain on rocky slopes, high plateaus, and grassy slopes. From late spring to early summer, depending on the climate, it forms erect, branched inflorescences, reaching a height of 140 cm (55in), adorned with 15 to 20 elongated, flared trumpet-shaped flowers in a delicate and shiny peach colour. They measure 4 to 5 cm (2in) in length and are slightly upward-facing. Left to its own devices in a mild climate, the plant will gradually form beautiful clumps through the production of underground bulbils and creeping tubers.

Stunning in the spring sunlight, the Watsonia pyramidata 'Peach Glow' flower heads allow for the creation of unique and colourful scenes. Their flowering, just after daffodils, will accompany the arrival of Asiatic lilies and ornithogalums. Mix your Watsonia bulbs with Kniphofias, Crocosmias, Libertias, and Carex for a modern, exotic-looking border. This plant is cultivated like gladioli, which are dug up after the foliage has turned yellow and replanted early in spring, resulting in later flowering. It also makes beautiful container plants for decorating the terrace or balcony.