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Bulbil Watsonia

Bulbil Watsonia
Photo: Ros Shepherd
Invasive Plant
Bulbil Watsonia
Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera
 

Watsonia is native to South Africa and has been cultivated in Australia for more than 150 years. It has become a serious weed in moist regions where it colonises creek banks, remnant forest and roadsides. It is a sunloving herbaceous perennial to 2 m which holds its orange flowers on a tall spike above the foliage. It was introduced as an ornamental and was popular because of its hardiness and bright flowers.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera does not produce seed but spreads by cormels (bulbs) that develop along the flowering stem. These cormels are spread by water.
 
 
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Alternative Plants

Bearded Iris
Photo: Delwyn Thomas
Alternative Plant Bearded Iris
Iris germanica
Grasses
 

Available in a range of heights and colours, Bearded Iris are easy to establish and relatively low maintenance. The flowers are produced on short spikes and appear above the silver/grey strap like leaves. Iris are produced from rhizomes and are relatively drought tolerant once established.

Day Lilies
Photo: Lorna Rose
Alternative Plant Day Lilies
Hemerocallis species and hybrids
Bulbous Plants
 

Day Lilies are either evergreen or deciduous with generous clumps of strap like leaves and tall flower stems with double or single flowers. The spectacular flowers are showy yet short lived and vary in colour, including cream, yellow, pink, orange and burgundy. Early, mid or late flowering hybrids are also available. Ask your local garden centre for advice about the best Day Lilies for your garden.

Morning Iris, Morning Flag
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Morning Iris, Morning Flag
Orthrosanthus multiflorus
Grasses
 

A hardy evergreen native to 0.5 m. Stunning iris-like blue/mauve flowers appear above the strap like foliage across the warmer months. It can be uses as a border plant or mass planted for a splash of colour. Thrives in full-sun to part-shade.

 
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