Watsonia Vanderspuyae

Watsonia vanderspuyae is the giant of its genus, producing the largest corms, broadest leaves and tallest flower spikes among the watsonias. Robust stems may reach two metres and carry twenty to thirty curved, nectar-filled tubular flowers in brilliant red, drawing sunbirds in its South African mountain home. The corms wedge deeply into sandstone crevices, helping them evade baboons and porcupines, and flowering is often especially strong after fire. This protected winter-rainfall species is magnificent in a large sunny garden with acidic drainage and a dry summer rest.