Watering: Regular - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 279)

Warszewiczia coccinea, or Wild Poinsettia, is native to tropical America and is a fast-growing shrub that thrives in full sun and regular water. This plant is grown in USDA Zones 9 to 11, and can grow up to nine feet tall, exhibiting striking red and crimson vinous flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

The Wild Poinsettia is considered an intriguing plant by gardeners due to its unique cluster of flowers that resemble a single bloom. It makes a great addition to any garden as it is an eye-catching shrub that adds color, texture, and life to any outdoor space.

Wild Poinsettia is an easy-to-care-for plant and will grow well in containers in cooler regions. To care for this plant, it needs well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, a full sun location, and regular watering. When growing in a container, it should be planted with a high-quality potting mix and should be moderately watered, as over-watering could lead to root rot. Further, it should be fertilized twice a year, once in spring and again in fall. As it matures in size, it should be pruned occasionally to maintain its shape.

The genus is named after Sir William Watson, a British botanist.

There are 52 species in southern Africa; all are perennial herbs growing from corms and producing erect spikes of showy flowers, and are adapted to a mediterranean-type climate.

The commonest species in cultivation is the pink-flowered W. borbonica and its white mutant 'Arderne's White'. These were crossed with W. meriana and other species in the early 20th century by breeders including John Cronin in Australia and Luther Burbank in California to produce a wide range of cultivars.

Watsonia is tough and easy to grow, with a long flowering period. It does best in full sun in well-drained, well-composted soil and although adapted to a winter rainfall climate, will thrive under summer rainfall conditions provided it is grown in well-drained soil. It can withstand mild winter frost but should be lifted and stored dry during winter in cold climates. After flowering, the leaves and stems can be cut back. Stop watering pot-grown specimens and if necessary, move them to a cool, dry place for the rest of the dormant period. To avoid overcrowding and to get the most flowers, clumps are best lifted and divided every three to five years.

Suitable for any size of garden and ideal for the water-wise winter rainfall garden, Watsonia looks magnificent in mass plantings, planted in clumps in herbaceous borders and grown in large containers. Even when not in flower, its foliage is decorative and after flowering has finished, its purplish stems and seed capsules are also attractive.

Watsonia produces offsets (daughter corms) abundantly, and the easiest method of propagation is by division.

Wedelia (Wedelia trilobata), native to Central America and Mexico, is an excellent ground cover, perfect for warm climates. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, and requires regular water. It also has colorful flowers - bright yellow and orange - making it an ideal choice for adding some cheer to a garden.

Wedelia has a fast growth rate and can become quite invasive. If you live in USDA Zone 8-11 and don't have a very large garden or green space, it's best to grow it in a pot. In winter, when the climate is cold, the plant will need some protection from frost. Make sure to also keep it in a spot that receives some sunlight and lots of moisture.

Wedelia does not require a lot of pruning or deadheading. In fact, it is best left to its own devices and pruned only if it starts to encroach on other plants.

Overall, Wedelia is a great choice for adding some vibrant color to a garden. It's a low-maintenance plant and won't require a lot of upkeep. Just make sure to give it enough sunlight, water regularly and provide good drainage. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to be more vigilant to protect it from frost, but with the right care and attention, it can thrive.

Weigela is a small genus of about 12 species of deciduous shrubs in the family Caprifoliaceae, growing to 1-5 m tall.

Wercklea ferox is a large shrub growing 5-10 ft tall and can become a small tree growing up to 20 ft overall. It requires regular water, but should not be over-watered and will tolerate some drought. It likes its soil kept slightly on the moist side. While it is drought tolerant, it may not flower as much as it does with enough water. This plant prefers full sun to semi-shade, so you can adjust its position for your climate needs. It is a tropical plant, so some shade is beneficial in very hot areas.

When watering, be sure to keep water off the leaves and water the soil deeply. This is a low-maintenance plant, so minimal pruning is necessary to maintain its shape. This gorgeous shrub is beautiful year-round, with its ornamental foliage ranging between shades of green and red veins. Its Hibiscus-like flowers appear in the warm months with delicate yellow and orange colored hues along with its surrounding beautiful foliage.

It is generally frost-tender, but it can withstand occasional light frost as mature plants can tolerate temperatures down to 30s F for a short time. Grown outdoors in warm climates, it is hardy in USDA zones from 9 to 11. This plant does well when grown in containers and prefers well-draining soils. It is best to bring the pot inside for winter protection in colder climates. It is a great choice for a patio garden in cooler regions as it can be moved indoors if necessary. It can also be grown in hanging baskets for a beautiful display. Fertilize this plant every couple of months with a balanced fertilizer to promote vigorous growth and keep it looking its best.

Spires of pure white flowers rise above the dark green foliage with periods of heavy bloom that almost engulf the plant. The 1" flowers are comprised of a pure white calyx and a protruding white bloom. Each inflorescence can reach 4" or more and last for a week. Hardy Zone 10 and higher. Partial sun to shade, grows to 3' in container, minimum temperature 55°, everbloomer. Perfect houseplant!

Wigandia urens is a deciduous shrub or small tree to 4m. It has large ovate leaves to 30cm long. The flowers are deep purple with a white throat and are produced in terminal sprays in spring. The whole plant is covered with rusty-brown, irritant hairs.

Wisteria frutescens are the smallest racemes produced by any Wisteria. It is considered shade tolerant, but will flower only when exposed to partial or full sun.

Wisteria 'Amethyst Falls' comes from a premium plant breeding program and as a result exhibits a less aggressive and slightly smaller Wisteria than others of the genus. Many bonsai artists employ American wisteria for its manageably-sized flowers, and it is charming as a woodland flowering vine.

Species: Wisteria sinensis, Wisteria floribunda, Wisteria frutescens, Wisteria macrostachya. Vigorous, showy, woody ornamental vines that can climb trees, apparently limited only by the height of the tree, and have been observed to reach 65 feet. Unlike American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), which flowers June through August, exotic wisterias flower in the springtime (April-May) and produce a velvety seed pod. The fuzzy brown seed pods are 4-6 inches long, narrowed toward the base, with constrictions between the seeds. Stems of the exotic wisterias can grow to 15 inches in diameter in older plants. White-barked Japanese wisteria vines twine clockwise around the host plant and Chinese wisteria twines counter-clockwise. Fragrant, violet to blue-violet flowers, occur in showy, pendulous clusters that hang gracefully from the twining stems. Exotic wisterias are long-lived, some vines surviving 50 years or more.