Nerine

( ner - RYE - nee )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials grow from bulbs and need partial shade in the warmest climates and regular water during growth and blooming periods. They are native to South Africa and are relatives of the Spider Lily (Lycoris). Common names for these plants include Nerines, Guernsey Lily, Jersey Lily, and Spider Lily. Leaves are strappy and die back before blooms appear, and will reappear later in the year. Flowers have six spreading, recurved segments and are borne in clusters at stem tips. Use these plants massed together in beds and borders, as specimens, or in container plantings. Take care when planting these beautiful flowers in your garden, as ingesting plant parts can cause reactions in humans and pets.

Nerine Species and Varietals

The genus Nerine is a member of the plant family Amaryllidaceae and includes 24 species. Nerine grows best in zones 5, 6, 8, 9 and 13-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Nerine bowdenii (Cornish Lily, Cape Flower, Guernsey Lily, Bowden Lily)
This species has lightly scented flowers in soft pink marked with deep pink and form in large clusters at stem tips. Varieties are available in deeper pink, crimson and red. These plants are native to South Africa. The species is named for Athelstan Cornish-Bowden who first sent bulbs back to England from South Africa.

Nerine filifolia
Evergreen species that has grassy leaves and rose-red flowers with narrow, crinkled segments. The flowers are carried in clusters of 8-10 at stem tips that reach 1 foot tall.

Nerine humilis (Dwarf Nerine)
These flowers reach just 16 inches tall when in bloom, and produces narrow green foliage simultaneously with blooms. Flowers are shades of pink and bloom in autumn. They form large colonies, and also respond well to frequent fires that occur in their native range.

Nerine krigei (Corkscrew Nerine, Curly Leaved Nerine)
These plants are native to South Africa, and produce tall flowering stems topped with clusters of blood red to dark magenta-pink flowers. 

Nerine masoniorum
This species of Nerine is evergreen and similar to Nerine filifolia, bearing flowers in clusters of up to 12 blooms on a single stem reaching 9 inches tall. Petals are beautifully wavy on their edges, and flowers bloom in summertime in the plant's native range. This species is considered critically endangered, and is native to South America.

​Nerine sarniensis (Guernsey Lily, Raquel)
This species forms large clusters of crimson blooms with proment stamens. Stems are up to 2 feet tall and flowers come in pink, orange, white and scarlet. Variety Nerine sarniensis curvifolia fothergillii has scarlet flowers that shimmer with gold tones. 

Nerine undulata (Nerine crispa)
These flowers are native to the eastern Cape area of South Africa, and produce flowering stems up to 18 inches tall. Flowers are crinkled and pale pink to mid-pink and bloom in fall in the plant's native range. Leaves are grass-like and almost evergreen.

Caring for Nerine

Withhold summer watering while these plants are in their dormant stage, but if they still have leaves, continue providing water. If the ground cannot be kept dry during dormancy, plant these bulbs in containers. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Nerine
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 455, Nerine
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