I agree. Watsonias are as easy to grow and as dependable as gladiolus but bloom at a different part of the season. I started growing them when I lived in Watsonville because I thought it appropriate, but they grow anywhere. Al

It is interesting to note how easy the hybrids and many of the species Watsonia are to grow and flower in California conditions, when they are considered touchy to bloom without wildfires to trigger their bloom in their native South Africa. The hybrids generally have no necessity of a fire trigger or smoke to initiate blooming, while in South Africa, many of the native species simply do not bloom much or every year without fire as a trigger. Watsonias also vary tremendously in size, evergreen or deciduous character, amount of flowers, etc, and I enjoy collecting the species and hybrids to compare them in a garden situation.

My watsonias are just finishing up their bloom cycle -- only a few lovely red trumpets remain. I've read that they are supposed to be divided every few years, and I suspect mine, though healthy are getting mite cramped. When and how should I dig and divide them?
Kay

If your Watsonia are the type that go deciduous, wait to divide until the foliage starts browning.

Gorgeous. The colors in your garden are wonderful, Chad. I love your plant combinations.

I bought a whole bunch for my mom last year, but I think her clay soil is a bit too wet for them. They are doing much better up on her slope, where the graders pushed all of the topsoil.