Bulbs

Nerine
Nerine
Guernsey lily

- Height 16-24 in (40-60 cm)
- Planting distance 4-6 in (10-15 cm)
- Flowers late summer to late fall
- Well-drained soil
- Sheltered, sunny site
- Bulbs available late spring to summer
- Hardy zones 8-10

From late summer to fall, when other plants are finishing their display, the beautiful Nerine bowdenii from South Africa produces large heads of up to eight flowers, which are long-lasting as cut flowers. Each has six elegant, narrow, backward-arching petals of bright glowing pink. The 16-24 in (40-60 cm) high stems rise from tufts of unexciting strap-shaped leaves. These start to fade in fall, so avoid planting nerines at the front of a border. Nerine sarniensis (Guernsey lily) produces clusters of up to 10 crimson-pink or scarlet flowers. Even in a mild climate such as that of southern California, these bulbs must be given full sun and shelter. A protected bed at the bottom of a south-facing wall or fence is ideal.

Bulbs