If you're looking for a show-stopping perennial that will add a touch of drama to your garden, then look no further than Watsonia alteroides. This stunning South African bulb is a real crowd-pleaser, with its tall spikes of vibrant orange/red/pink flowers that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. But Watsonia alteroides isn't just a pretty face - it's also incredibly easy to grow and care for, making it the perfect addition to any garden.

So, what makes Watsonia alteroides such a great choice for gardeners? For one thing, it's incredibly hardy, able to withstand both drought and cold temperatures. This makes it a great choice for gardens in temperate climates, where it can add some much-needed color to the late spring and early summer months. It's also a low-maintenance plant, requiring only occasional watering and fertilizing to thrive.

But perhaps the most striking feature of Watsonia alteroides is its flowers. These tall spikes of blooms are truly eye-catching, and can add a touch of drama to any garden. The flowers are produced when most other spring plants have finished blooming, making them a valuable addition to any garden looking to extend its season of interest.

In terms of growing Watsonia alteroides, it's best to plant the bulbs in well-draining soil in a sunny spot. They should be planted in spring, around 10-15 cm deep and about 20-30 cm apart. Once planted, they should be watered well and left to settle in. In the first year, they may produce only a few flowers, but in subsequent years they will form clumps and produce more and more blooms.

One thing to be aware of when growing Watsonia alteroides is that in some climates they can become invasive if left unchecked. They spread easily via underground corms, so it's important to keep them contained. This can be done by lifting and dividing the clumps every few years, or by growing them in pots. If you do choose to grow them in pots, be sure to use a good quality potting mix and keep the soil moist.

In terms of care, Watsonia alteroides is a relatively low-maintenance plant. They require only occasional watering, especially during dry spells, and a light fertilization in spring. They don't require any pruning, but you may want to cut them down after they have died off for the season.

Overall, if you're looking for a low-maintenance, hardy bulb that will add some drama to your garden, then Watsonia alteroides is an excellent choice. With its tall spikes of blooms and easy-to-grow nature, it's sure to be a hit with both gardeners and visitors alike. Just be sure to keep it contained to prevent it from becoming invasive, and enjoy the spectacle it provides year after year.