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(Gladiolus watsonius)
Red Afrikaner (Gladiolus watsonius)
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Wilferd Duckitt
CC BY 2.0
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Wilferd Duckitt
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Wilferd Duckitt | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Wilferd Duckitt | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gladiolus watsonius, commonly known as Red Afrikaner, is a deciduous perennial bulb native to the fynbos and renosterveld regions in the Western Cape of South Africa. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.8-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). The Red Afrikaner’s striking flowers, which bloom in winter and spring, are a vibrant combination of red and orange hues, and they are arranged in a dense, sword-like spike that is highly ornamental.
The Red Afrikaner is valued for its showy flowers and is often used in borders, cutting gardens, and as a focal point in container plantings. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring full sun exposure and well-drained soils with medium moisture levels. While it is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during the growing season enhances flowering. It is also popular for its use as a cut flower due to the long vase life of its blooms. Gardeners should be aware that in some climates, Gladiolus watsonius may require lifting of the bulbs in the fall to protect them from freezing temperatures.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Red Afrikaner is valued for its showy flowers and is often used in borders, cutting gardens, and as a focal point in container plantings. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring full sun exposure and well-drained soils with medium moisture levels. While it is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during the growing season enhances flowering. It is also popular for its use as a cut flower due to the long vase life of its blooms. Gardeners should be aware that in some climates, Gladiolus watsonius may require lifting of the bulbs in the fall to protect them from freezing temperatures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.8-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, Orange
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to the fynbos and renosterveld regions of the Western Cape in South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Rooi-Afrikaner, Suikerkannetjie
Scientific Names: , Gladiolus watsonius, Homoglossum watsonium, Watsonia revoluta, Watsonia praecox, Antholyza acuminata, Antholyza gawleri, Antholyza watsonius, Gladiolus gawleri, Gladiolus praecox
GBIF Accepted Name: Gladiolus watsonius Thunb.