Nerines
'Guernsey
Lily'
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Native to: South Africa
Bulb type: True bulb
Flowering time - varies with variety:
- Fothergilli Major and the golden 'Nerine' (Lycoris) flower in Feb-March
- Bowdenii & Salmonia in April
- Alba in May
- Winter Cheer in June.
- Fothergill Minor flowers March-April.
Height: 40-60cm. Except Fothergill Minor which is only 20-25cm tall.
Planting time: Nerines can be transplanted at any time of the year except whilst they are flowering or whilst in full growth. Early Spring to summer is ideal.
Ideal soil type: Well drained.
Ideal aspect: Full sun.
Depth & spacing: Plant with the neck of the bulb above the soil and 10cm apart in clumps. Also great in pots.
Water: Water amply from the time the flower spike appear until early Autumn.
Fertilising: Fertilising is not necessary but the occasional liquid feed is beneficial.
Preferred climates: Cool to temperate although Lycoris (the gold Nerine) will grow in cool to sub-tropical climates.
Frost tolerance: Tolerant to -2 deg.
Pests & diseases: Snails and slugs.
Lifting & dividing the bulbs: Nerine bulbs enjoy being crowded together so only lift and divide the bulbs when serious over-crowding starts to diminish the number of flowers appearing.
Storage: There is no need to lift and store the bulbs each year.
Note: The variety Bowdenii has a second dormant period. It leafs in Spring, is dormant in Summer, flowers Autumn and goes dormant again in Winter.