Watsonia angusta 'Red'

Watsonia angusta

Watsonia angusta, commonly known as Red Watsonia or River Watsonia, is a hardy, evergreen bulbous perennial native to South Africa. This striking plant produces upright spikes of vivid red‑orange, curved, tubular flowers in summer, creating bold vertical colour in gardens, borders, and mixed plantings. The elegant sword‑shaped leaves form neat clumps that provide attractive structure when the plant is not in bloom.

Flower spikes emerge above the foliage, attracting sunbirds, insects, and other pollinators with their nectar‑rich blooms. Watsonia angusta thrives in full sun and tolerates a range of soil types when moisture is adequate, making it a valuable addition to garden beds, wildflower meadows, and landscaped areas. Once planted it is best left undisturbed for several years to allow strong growth and abundant flowering.

Versatile and eye‑catching, Watsonia angusta can be used as a feature plant, part of a mass planting display, or for naturalistic garden designs that highlight seasonal colour and wildlife attraction. Its bold flowers and robust habit enhance both private and public landscapes.

Plant Details

• Scientific Name: Watsonia angusta
• Common Name: Red Watsonia, River Watsonia, Rooikanolpypie
• Origin: Indigenous to South Africa (Western & Eastern Cape, KwaZulu‑Natal) 
• Flower Colour: Red‑orange
• Flowering Time: Summer (often November to January)
• Height: ±1–1,5 m
• Spread: ±0.1–0.5 m
• Growth Habit: Evergreen, bulbous perennial

Care & Planting Tips

• Planting Position: Full sun for best flowering performance; tolerates light semi‑shade
• Water Requirements: Keep soil moist during the growing season
• Soil: Well‑drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture
• Hardiness: Hardy; tolerates a range of conditions and survives dry spells by going dormant
• Uses: Feature plant, mass planting, borders, wildflower and wildlife gardens, cut flowers

Available Sizes

• 4 L