Nerine — Produces clusters of elegant, lily-like flowers with wavy petals in shades of pink, white and red. Flowering in autumn when many other plants have finished, they are ideal for garden beds, borders, pots and cut flower displays.

Nerine Winter Cheer

Botanical Name: Nerine bowdenii

Position: Full sun to part shade in a warm, sheltered position.

Climate: Suitable for cool, temperate, Mediterranean and dry climates. Frost tolerant once established.

Planting Time: Summer to early autumn.

Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil lightly moist while plants are actively growing. Reduce watering when foliage dies back and keep bulbs relatively dry during dormancy.

Flowering Time: Autumn.

Fertilising: Apply a light dressing of blood and bone or a balanced fertiliser when growth appears. A light feed after flowering will help replenish bulbs for the following season.

Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Good drainage is essential, as bulbs may rot in wet conditions.

Pests: Generally trouble-free, although snails and slugs may damage emerging shoots and flowers.

Growing Tips: Plant bulbs with the neck at or just above soil level, as deep planting may reduce flowering. Nerines prefer to be left undisturbed and often flower best when bulbs become crowded. Newly planted bulbs may take a season or two to establish before flowering freely.