Table Mountain Watsonia | Watsonia Tabularis

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The Table Mountain Watsonia, and its scientific counterpart the Watsonia Tabularis, is a flowering and beautiful evergreen perennial. Originating in South Africa, this plant produces stunning spikes bearing between 20 to 30 trumpet shaped flowers in shades of pink and salmon. The distinctively beautiful coloration and size, which can reach up to five feet tall, make this plant a classic and beloved evergreen by gardeners in every soil zone. Not to mention, it also attracts birds and has a showy aesthetic that all gardeners love.

Etymology of Watsonia Tabularis

The scientific name, Watsonia Tabularis, originates from the Latin ‘watson’ which means “gatekeeper” and the Latin ‘tabularis’ coming from ‘table’ because of the plant’s table-like shape. The common name Table Mountain Watsonia, meanwhile, comes from the distinctive geographical shape of the Table Mountain range in the Cape Region of South Africa. This is where the plant originates and makes its home in the deep mountainous terrain.

How to Plant and Grow Table Mountain Watsonia

Table Mountain Watsonia is quite versatile when it comes to its environment as it can be grown in a pot outdoors or indoors, in beds, and in ground level borders. Regarding its position, it prefers to be in a sunny location with some partial shade. In terms of its soil, this evergreen requires well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 8.0. Upon planting, it is recommended to avoid placing this plant too close to others to give it the room to spread out. This will facilitate better airflow and prevent fungal infections as an overly congested group can be quite a hotbed for disease.

To ensure that Table Mountain Watsonia remains healthy, proper watering and feeding are recommended. During hot, dry weather, it is important to water the plants when the soil is dry. During the winter months, it is better to water less, with a maximum of once or twice per week. Light feeding is beneficial during the bloom season with a good balanced fertilizer. It is important to avoid overfeeding as this can lead to too much foliage and not enough flowers.

Table Mountain Watsonia Meaning and Symbolism

Table Mountain Watsonia has a long history of meaning and symbolism in both Western and Eastern cultures. In Western culture, this plant is associated with feelings of joy, peace, and health. Meanwhile, in Eastern culture it is a symbol of prosperity and abundance. In traditional Chinese symbolism, this evergreen was associated with a decrease in anxiety and increase in relaxation. This is why it is believed to be the perfect flower to have in a garden.

History, Mythology and Religious Significance of Table Mountain Watsonia

Table Mountain Watsonia, or Watsonia Tabularis, has a fascinating history with various cultural and religious connections. It is believed that this beautiful evergreen was sacred to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The plant was linked to Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, beauty, and romance. During Ancient Rome, the plant was a symbol of harmony and unity. This flower is also often found in terracotta pottery, depicting these religions in connection with the evergreen.

In terms of Christianity, Table Mountain Watsonia is a representation of spiritual renewal and resurrection. The evergreen was often used as a decoration in many churches, and was often associated with the Virgin Mary in ancient European art. In some modern Christian cultures, this perennial is the symbol of eternal life. Today in some religions, such as Buddhism, it is seen as a representation of spiritual abundance and kindness.

Table Mountain Watsonia Varieties and Their Defining Characteristics

Table Mountain Watsonia, or Watsonia Tabularis, keeps the same basic characteristics of its evergreen shape and trumpet-shaped flowers. However, the flower comes in a variety of colors, heights, and foliage colors. Here are the most common varieties of Table Mountain Watsonia to look out for:

Pale Salmon Watsonia: With distinct pale salmon flowers and tall stems, this variety prefers sunny and moist positions. The leaves of this variety also have a rich green color.
Foxy Watsonia: This variety has dark purple stems, a unique foxy red flower, and dark green leaves. It is bushier than the other varieties, and loves sunny and moist positions.
Red Watsonia: This variety has rich red flowers and dark green leaves, and is shorter than the other varieties. It is perfect for hanging baskets and prefers sunny and moist positions.

How to Pot and Repot Table Mountain Watsonia

When potting and repotting Table Mountain Watsonia, the primary goal is to ensure that the plant receives the right amount of water and light, as well as the right soil mixture. To begin, make sure to trim any overly long, dead, or wilting stems. Remember to keep the potting mix slightly moist but not wet. Afterward, it is important to use the right size pot, making sure to leave space between the pot and the edge of the pot.

When potting, choose a potting mix that has equal parts of potting soil, peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. For repotting, a soil mix composed of 1 part potting soil and 1 part perlite is recommended to provide looseness. Taking the potting mix into account, fill the base of the pot with the mix, making sure not to fill it up to the top, and plant the Table Mountain Watsonia carefully.

How to Prune Table Mountain Watsonia

For Table Mountain Watsonia, pruning is recommended to help encourage new growth as well as increase the size of flowers. Pruning should be done in late spring and summer. When pruning, it is important to use sharp and clean pruning shears to ensure a good cut. The plant can also be pruned with your hands by simply pinching off spent blooms and dead leaves. This will help to promote denser foliage and more colorful blooms. It is also important to remember to remove any dead, diseased, or competing plants around the main one.

How to Propagate Table Mountain Watsonia

Propagating Table Mountain Watsonia is a simple process that starts with collecting the seeds by hand. Once they’ve been collected in October or November, they can be planted. To increase the chances of successful pollination and seed-setting, place two parent plants 2–3 meters away from each other. During the winter months, cold stratification will occur and promote seed germination. It is important to remember to provide the seeds with proper light, water, and temperature.

Table Mountain Watsonia can also be propagated through division of the roots. In late summer, dig up the plant, divide the roots into several smaller plants, and transplant them in separate pots. Be aware that this will slow down the growth rate as the plants need time to adjust to their new homes.

Common Pests and Diseases of Table Mountain Watsonia

Table Mountain Watsonia is generally a hardy and healthy plant. However, like many plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases. When the plant is grown in the appropriate environment and properly maintained, it is less likely to experience issues. The most common pests and diseases that affect this beautiful evergreen include snail or slug damage, powdery mildew, root rot, and damping off. It is important to inspect plants regularly and to treat any damage as soon as possible.

Snail or slug damage can be avoided by using organic pellets and traps to keep them away from the plants. Powdery mildew can be treated using a fungicide. Root rot can be prevented by ensuring that the plant receives the right amount of water and proper drainage. Lastly, damping off can be treated and prevented by ensuring good air circulation and proper soil drainage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Table Mountain Watsonia

Q: What is the ideal climate to grow Table Mountain Watsonia?

A: Table Mountain Watsonia is able to endure mild climates with low humidity. It prefers temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and can tolerate temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.

Q: Does it require a lot of sunlight?

A: This plant prefers semi-shady or sunny locations. However, it will tolerate partially shaded locations as long as it receives light for most of the day.

Q: How often should it be watered?

A: In general, during the summer months, it is recommended to water Table Mountain Watsonia twice a week. However, during the winter months, only water once a week and during rain-heavy seasons no supplemental outdoor water is needed.

Table Fact Sheet For Table Mountain Watsonia

Table Mountain Watsonia	Watsonia Tabularis
Family	Iridaceae
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	Up to 5 feet tall
Sun Exposure	Sun or partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained soil
Soil pH	5.5 to 8.0
Bloom Time	Late spring to early summer
Flower Color	Pink and salmon
Hardiness Zones	7 to 11
Native Area	South Africa