Nerine bowdenii (Guernsey Lily)
Putting on a spectacular display in the late season garden, award-winning Nerine bowdenii (Guernsey Lily) is a bulbous perennial forming clumps of strap-shaped rich green leaves. In late summer or early fall, tall, erect stalks push up from among the leaves, bearing large umbels of five to ten trumpet-shaped, faintly-scented, brilliant pink flowers, up to 3 in. across (8 cm), adorned with wavy-edged petals.
Putting on a spectacular display in the late season garden, award-winning Nerine bowdenii (Guernsey Lily) is a bulbous perennial forming clumps of strap-shaped rich green leaves. In late summer or early fall, tall, erect stalks push up from among the leaves, bearing large umbels of five to ten trumpet-shaped, faintly-scented, brilliant pink flowers, up to 3 in. across (8 cm), adorned with wavy-edged petals. Blooming for up to 4-6 weeks, Guernsey Lilies are ideal accent plants for mixed borders, rockeries or cutting gardens.
- Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 14-18 in. high (35-45 cm) and 3-6 in. wide (7-15 cm).
- Thrives in full sun (part shade is tolerated), in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates drought, but requires moisture during the growing season
- Spectacular when planted in swathes, this Guernsey Lily fits most garden settings or mixed borders, makes a fantastic accent plant in containers and excellent cut flowers! A great choice for coastal areas, Mediterranean gardens or rock gardens.
- Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Plant in early spring, 2 in. below the ground (5 cm) and 6 in. apart (15 cm). Protect in colder areas with a deep dry mulch over winter.
- Propagate by seed, sown with moderate heat as soon as ripe or by division after flowering.
- Acute ingestion may cause mild stomach upset
- Native to South Africa
Requirements
| Hardiness | 8 – 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 7 – 10 |
| Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Nerine – Guernsey Lilies |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Late)Fall |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
| Spacing | 6″ (15cm) |
| Depth | 2" (5cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Cutting Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |