HOW TO GROW THE GUERNSEY LILY - Nerine bowdenii

The Guernsey Lily - Nerine bowdenii, is one of the great, early winter surprises. Just when most other plants have moved into dormancy, Nerine bowdenii is just beginning to wake up, and in spectacular style!

The Guernsey Lily - Nerine bowdenii

Although native to the sub-tropical lands of South Africa, Nerine bowdenii is perfectly hardy in our northern European gardens as it habitat is found high up in the Drakensberg Mountains in the Cape.

Evolving in an alpine environment has allowed this particular Nerine to survive temperatures down to −15 °Celsius!

Of course the bulbs can still suffer a certain amount of damage at these low temperatures so if you are planting Nerine bowdenii in more northern climates then they will appreciate a protective, dry mulch over the winter.

Be that as it may, this species will still need to be planted in a hot, sunny position and in a well-drained soil. Pot grown examples are best planted in August, while pre-pack bulbs should be planted in April. Place the bulbs approximately 4 inches deep, preferably in a sharply drained border and against a wall where it can receive the full benefit of the summer's heat.

Nerine bowdenii FLOWER

When the foliage is well developed, feed with a liquid soluble fertilizer once a week for about two months.

Once the leaves begin to turn yellow you will need to stop watering altogether, but as soon as the new seasons flowers appear you can begin to water once more.

Once planted it should not be disturbed for several years as Nerine bowdenii blooms best when the bulbs are crowded, but flowering will be reduced once the plants become overcrowded. At this pointed they can be lifted, divided and replanted. This is an operation that will need to be carried out every four to five years.

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HOW TO GROW NERINE SARNIENSIS
HOW TO GROW SPIDER LILIES
HOW TO PLANT NERINE SARNIENSIS BULBS
NERINE SARNIENSIS
SPIDER LILY - Hymenocallis species and cultivars
THE BLACK LILY - Lilium 'Landini'
THE GIANT HIMALAYAN LILY - Cardiocrinum giganteum
THE GUERNSEY LILY - Nerine bowdenii