Care of the bulbous plant Nerine bowdenii or Guernsey lily |
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The genus Nerine, family Amaryllidaceae, comprises 30 species of bulbous and perennial plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Nerine bowdenii, Nerine undulata, Nerine sarniensis, Nerine flexuosa, Nerine curvifolia, Nerine pumilla, Nerine pulchella, Nerine pancratioides, Nerine humilis. Common names: Guernsey lily, Cape flower, Cornish lily, Bowden lily. This species is native to South Africa. They are bulbous herbaceous plants that reach 60 cm (23.6") in height. They have long, linear leaves of an intense green color (there are variegated varieties). The beautiful flowers resemble those of the genus Lilium and appear at the end of the stem in umbels. The stamens protrude from the center of the flowers that can be pink, red or white. They bloom in summer and, if the weather is warm, also in autumn. They are used to form borders, groups of bulbous plants, in pots for terraces and as cut flowers. Nerine bowdenii needs a well-lit exposure avoiding direct sunlight in the middle of the day. They prefer acidic, soft, well-drained soil rich in humus or manure. The bulbs are planted in early spring or mid-summer (in hot climates) without completely burying them. The plants should be kept in the same location for at least 3 years. Water frequently but with little water, waiting for the substrate to dry; they are plants prone to fungal diseases. Do not water during the resting period. Fertilize every 20 days from mid-summer to mid-autumn with liquid fertilizer based on algae extract. They are plants prone to botrytis and aphids attack. They are easily propagated by division of the bulbs or by seeds. |
Images of the bulbous plant Nerine bowdenii or Guernsey lily |
 Nerine bowdenii  Nerine bowdenii  Nerine sarniensis |