In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Nerine plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
Nerine are usually grown as half hardy bulbs in the garden. Plants can reach heights of 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches).
They bloom from summer to the autumn with flowers that look like small lilies atop stiff stems.
Nerine picture by wallygrom.
They do not have very pretty foliage. This makes them good to grow in the middle of borders.
Common names for Nerine include Guernsey Lily, Cornish lily, Blue Nerine, and Cape flower.
Nerine bowdenii photograph by Just chaos.
Nerine bowdenii (Cornish lily / Cape flower / Guernsey lily / Bowden lily), photograph by Tom Parnell; CC.
Nerine sarniensis (Guernsey lily / Jersey lily), picture by Wilferd Duckitt; CC.
Nerine undulata (Cape flower), Image by Maria R; CC.
Nerine masoniorum (CommName), photograph by sunoochi; CC.
Nerine humilis (Dwarf Nerine), photograph by KENPEI; GNU Free document license 1.2.
Guernsey, Jersey lily, and other Nerine members can be grown from seeds or bulbs.
The bulbs should be planted about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) deep and about 12 to 20 cm (5 to 8 inches) apart at the start of autumn.
Nerine seeds should be sown on the surface using fresh seed as soon as it is produced in the autumn.
Nerines can grow in sunny or lightly shaded areas that have good drainage. Though the soil should be kept moist.
If starting indoors then sow Guernsey lily seeds using fresh seed as soon as available. Itwill take around two to three weeks to germinate at 18 to 21 degrees centigrade (64 to 70°F).
Once plants are growing well, transplant the Nerine seedlings into the garden the following spring, after the last frost has occurred. It should take about five years for seed grown Guernsey lilies produce flowers.
Not the easiest of plants to look after, Guernsey lily and other Nerine plant genus members require watering regularly until they start to bloom. Stop watering while they are blooming, but resume once flowering has finished. Watering should continue even after the leaves have died back.
For best results grow the plants close together.
If you require more Nerine lily plants then propagate by dividing the bulbs in late autumn.
The Nerine genus has approximately 30 species. These plants are native to South Africa, and are known for their showy, lily-like flowers.
Yes, Nerine species are excellent for adding late season color to the garden. Their vibrant, star-shaped flowers are perfect for borders and containers.
The most frequently grown species is Nerine bowdenii, known for its beautiful pink flowers that bloom in the fall.
While the flowers of Nerine are striking, they are typically not fragrant.
Nerine prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It's also beneficial to provide shelter from harsh winter conditions as they are somewhat tender.
Nerine species are not currently listed as invasive in the USA.
Nerine bulbs can be dug up when the plant is dormant. Ensure you get the entire bulb to prevent regrowth.
Nerine is a genus within the Amaryllidaceae family that is known for its vibrant, lily-like flowers. They are mostly autumn-flowering bulbs and their stunning blooms make them an attractive addition to any garden.
Nerine plants prefer a sunny position with well-drained soil. Bulbs should be planted in the spring or early summer, with the neck of the bulb above the soil surface. These plants are hardy and, once established, require very little maintenance, adding a splash of color to borders or containers in the cooler months.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Nerine plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Allium schoenoprasum, Persimmon, Helictotrichon sempervirens and Sprekelia plants.