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Nerine bowdenii AGM

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© RHS 1990

Characteristics

Plant type

Bulb

Habit

Tufted

Toxicity

Acute ingestion may cause mild stomach upset

Resilience

Hardiness

old H4 (hardy)

Colour

Flower

Pink in Autumn

Foliage

Green in Autumn

Size

Ultimate height

0.1-0.5 metres

Ultimate spread

0-0.1 metre

Time to ultimate height

2-5 years


Preferred common name

Bowden Cornish lily

Family

Amaryllidaceae


Nerine are summer-dormant, perennial bulbs with erect leafless stems each bearing a terminal umbel of funnel-shaped flowers in autumn, and strap-shaped or linear leaves appearing after the flowers

N. bowdenii is a bulbous perennial to 50cm, with strap-shaped rich green leaves preceded by erect stems bearing umbels of lily-like pink flowers 6-8cm in width, with wavy, recurved segments

How to grow

Sunlight

  • Full sun

Aspect

  • South-facing, West-facing or East-facing
  • Sheltered

Cultivation

Plant in early spring in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Protect in colder areas with a deep dry mulch over winter

Soil

  • Well-drained or Moist but well-drained
  • Acid, Alkaline or Neutral
  • Chalk, Clay, Sand or Loam

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown with moderate heat as soon as ripe or by division after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City/Courtyard Gardens, Cottage/Informal Garden, Flower borders and beds, Mediterranean Climate Plants, Wall-side Borders, Coastal or Gravel Garden


How to care

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease free