Plant nerine bulbs directly outside during spring, as soon as possible after receiving them. They may remain dormant well into summer, so allow them time to settle.
Out of season
A delightful flower to brighten up your late summer garden and continue right into the autumn is Nerine bowdenii, also called Bowden lily. This pretty pink thin-petalled flower starts flowering just when the rest of your plants are starting to shut down for winter. The delicate spider-like blooms of Nerine bowdenii, originally from the mountainous area of South Africa, are hardy enough to take on northern climates, but still like to be planted in sunny areas, and need protection during the winter.
Gracy knows
"Nerine bowdenii plants do best if grown in clumps and it may take a couple of seasons to really develop and start blooming profusely. It’s worth the wait!"
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Select a warm, sheltered spot in full sun, where the bulbs can enjoy plenty of summer warmth. Nerines grow well in borders and containers.
Plant in fertile, free-draining soil. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost mixed with grit, and make sure excess water can drain away easily.
Plant the bulbs shallowly with their necks visible above the soil. Space them 10–15cm apart, preferably in groups for a generous autumn display.
Water after planting, then keep the soil lightly moist without waterlogging it. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells and allow the foliage to die back naturally.
Nerines flower best once settled, so avoid moving or dividing them unnecessarily. Hardy varieties can remain outside over winter, with a dry mulch offering extra protection in colder or exposed gardens.
- Botanical name
- Nerine bowdenii
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Bulb size
- 14/+
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 25 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
-
Harmful if eaten
Skin/eyes irritant - Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Naturalising
Low maintenance
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Nerine bowdenii reviews
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