Bugle Lily Watsonia angusta

Water

The Bugle Lily should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural environment. During the growing season, water the plant every 7 to 10 days, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water, which equates to approximately 0.6 to 0.9 gallons for an outdoor garden. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency after the flowering season as the plant enters dormancy. It is important not to overwater, as the Bugle Lily does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Light

Bugle Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The best spot for this plant would be a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can also tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates. Ensure that the plant is not in a location where buildings or other plants create prolonged shadow, as this can impede its growth and flowering.

Temperature

The Bugle Lily prefers temperate climates and can survive in temperatures ranging from about 50°F to 90°F. Frost can damage the plant, so it is important to avoid temperatures below 50°F. The ideal temperature range for the Bugle Lily to thrive is between 60°F and 75°F.

Pruning

Pruning the Bugle Lily is necessary to remove spent flower stalks and maintain the plant's appearance. After the flowers have faded, cut the stalks down to the base. Pruning is typically done once a year, immediately after flowering. This practice encourages the plant to conserve energy and may stimulate more vigorous growth the following season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Watsonia angusta, commonly known as the Bugle Lily, thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A suitable recipe for potting mix could include a blend of peat, loam, and sharp sand to ensure good drainage. Adding a portion of well-rotted compost can provide the organic nutrients needed. The ideal soil pH for Bugle Lily is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season will help promote healthy growth.

Repotting

Bugle Lily, or Watsonia angusta, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growing size. It is typically best to repot these plants after they have finished flowering and are entering their dormancy period. Repotting provides an opportunity for checking the health of the corms and dividing clumps if necessary to propagate new plants or manage size.

Humidity & Misting

Watsonia angusta, commonly known as Bugle Lily, prefers moderate humidity levels. It does not require high humidity and can tolerate the average humidity found in most home environments. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant will help to keep the humidity at optimal levels for its growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Bugle Lily in bright, indirect light; ensure well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Bugle Lily needs full sun, well-drained soil, and protection from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

Watsonia angusta, also known as Bugle Lily, begins its life cycle as a corm, a bulb-like underground storage organ. In its growth stage, the corm sends up strap-shaped leaves and a tall flowering spike typically during spring and summer, which showcases its showy trumpet-shaped flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seed, with the flowers developing into capsules containing seeds. As summer progresses into fall, the above-ground parts of the Bugle Lily die back and the plant enters a dormancy period conserving energy within the corm. Throughout winter, the corm lies dormant underground, only to regenerate new growth the subsequent spring, thus completing the cycle. When environmental conditions are favorable, the seeds may germinate to form new corms, continuing the propagation of the species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Watsonia angusta, commonly known as Bugle Lily, is typically propagated through division of its corms. The best time for this form of propagation is late summer to fall, after the plant has finished flowering and is entering dormancy. To propagate through division, carefully lift the clump of corms from the ground using a garden fork, aiming to minimize damage to the corms. Gently separate the corms, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point. The separated corms can then be replanted at a depth of approximately 4 inches (or 10 centimeters) and spaced about 8 inches (or 20 centimeters) apart, allowing for enough room for the new plants to grow. This method is advantageous as it is not only straightforward but typically results in a high success rate and allows gardeners to rapidly increase their stock of Watsonia angusta.