Nerine bowdenii

Also Known As

Guernsey Lily

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 6"-12"

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Nerine bowdenii plant details

Nerine bowdenii is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In fall pink flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Nerine bowdenii

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: amaryllidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in fall
Uses: container plant, cutting garden, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Nerine bowdenii

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Nerine bowdenii is a South African bulb that is a welcome sight in the fall as the skies become overcast and the rain begins to fall. At this time the flowering stalks of Guernsey lily rise from the strap-like foliage and open into gorgeous spidery amaryllis-like flowers in a shade of improbable candy pink! Plant in full sun in well-drained soil or grow as a pot specimen and protect in winter.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Delightful deep pink flowered amaryllis relative from eastern South Africa, adapted to dry or wet summers provided good drainage and sun. Summer dormant; flowers emerge "nekked" in September to November while leaves appear beginning in December and January. Frost hardy to 10F, USDA zone 8; a bit colder with mulch.

By: Cistus Nursery

An unusual South African bulbous perennial with GLOWING, neon pink flowers late in the season when most of the garden is done dancing (October for us)! Blooms in clusters of 10 flowers on 18-24" leafless stalks (foliage goes dormant by midsummer) and are super for cutting! Light shade, most soils; water while flowering ; blossoms freely in crowded pots…great in the border and the rock garden.

By: Secret Garden Growers

This South African bulb has bright pink flower clusters atop a straight talk in fall; strappy foliage is dormant in summer. 2' T Minimum temperature: 10?F

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Flowers seem to glitter because of special water-filled cell structures. Said to be hardy down to zone 5 (haven't tried it there though). From South Africa, Nerine produce umbels of exotic, spicy scented, pink flowers with narrow, wavy, recurved petals which bloom on top of bare 18"-24" stems in late summer or fall. They are such a delight because they seem to pop up out of nowhere unannounced and provide color when many other flowers have faded. They are pest-proof, make superb cut flowers (lasting 2-3 weeks cut) and are excellent in containers. 11+ cm bulbs! They may take a season or two to become established before flowering.