Overview
Nerine bowdenii is a clump forming bulbous perennial in the genus Nerine, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.45 metres tall. Nerine bowdenii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soil soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and rock gardens. It is native to South Africa.
About
Nerine bowdenii is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae, notable for producing late-season umbels of pink, lily-like flowers. It grows to around 0.45 metres with narrow, strap-shaped leaves. Flowering takes place from September to November. The bulbs are ornamental and should not be eaten; wear gloves when handling and keep clear of pets.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nerine bowdenii
About the genus
Nerine is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. They are bulbous perennials, some evergreen, associated with rocky and arid habitats. They bear spherical umbels of lily-like flowers in shades from white through pink to crimson.
Wikipedia contributors, "Nerine", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nerine
In the garden
Nerine bowdenii originates from South Africa and is grown for its unmistakable autumn blooms. As a bulbous perennial it reaches about 0.45 metres and carries clusters of narrow-petalled, pink flowers on leafless stems in the autumn months. The plant belongs to the Amaryllidaceae and has a distinctly seasonal habit, flowering in the late season when many other garden plants are fading. Grow Nerine bowdenii in a sunny or partially shaded spot in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. It prefers a sheltered situation rather than exposed, windy sites. Rated H4 (average hardiness), it will tolerate typical UK garden conditions but is best sited where winter wet and severe exposure are limited. Avoid waterlogged soil through winter to protect the bulbs. Use Nerine bowdenii at the back of borders, in mixed containers or in rock gardens where its autumn display can be appreciated. Plant where the flowering stems can be seen clear of taller neighbours so the blooms are not hidden. Note the bulbs are ornamental and not to be eaten; handle with gloves and follow guidance on potentially harmful plants for pets.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nerine
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Nerine bowdenii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.45 metres
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, rock gardens
- Native to
- South Africa
- Toxicity
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nerine bowdenii
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in late spring after the risk of frost has passed. Position in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water moderately during the growing season, reduce watering when dormant.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidiness. Cut back foliage only after it has died down naturally.
- Propagation
- Propagation by offsets or seed.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Nerine bowdenii?
Plant bulbs in late spring after the risk of frost has passed. Position in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water moderately during the growing season, reduce watering when dormant.
Where is the best place to plant Nerine bowdenii?
Nerine bowdenii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Nerine bowdenii need?
Nerine bowdenii grows best in well-drained soil soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Nerine bowdenii?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidiness. Cut back foliage only after it has died down naturally.
How big does Nerine bowdenii grow?
Nerine bowdenii reaches a height of 0.45 metres.
Is Nerine bowdenii hardy in the UK?
Nerine bowdenii has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Nerine bowdenii?
Propagation by offsets or seed.
Is Nerine bowdenii toxic?
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
