Overview
Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' is a clump forming bulbous perennial in the genus Nerine, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and slightly acidic 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 species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is an herbaceous bulbous perennial, growing to 45 cm (18 in) tall by 8 cm (3 in), with strap-shaped leaves and large umbels of lily-like pink flowers in late summer and autumn.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nerine
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, rock gardens
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nerine bowdenii 'Alba'
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in late spring after risk of frost; prefers well-drained soil; water moderately during growing season; allow to dry out in dormancy
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stems; cut back foliage after it yellows
- Propagation
- division of bulbs, seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Nerine bowdenii 'Alba'?
Plant bulbs in late spring after risk of frost; prefers well-drained soil; water moderately during growing season; allow to dry out in dormancy.
Where is the best place to plant Nerine bowdenii 'Alba'?
Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' need?
Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Nerine bowdenii 'Alba'?
Remove spent flower stems; cut back foliage after it yellows.
Is Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' 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 'Alba'?
Division of bulbs, seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Nerine genus
- Nerine bowdeniiBowden lily
- Nerine undulata 'Seaton'
- Nerine humilis from Oudtshoorn Smee, South AfricaDwarf Nerine