Watsonia pulchra grows in open grassland or light woodland from northeastern Natal to Mpumalanga. This species grows from 60 to 120 cm high. The leaves are 3cm wide with a thickened margin and it has a spike of 30 to 60 pink to purple, or maroon, occasionally white, flowers. It is distinctive for its dry brown bracts that clasp the stem. It flowers in summer.
The natural habitat of Watsonia pulchra is grassland where it can make a mass display in summer. It prefers a well drained soil and sufficient water in the growing season