Nerine bowdenii Albivetta (Guernsey Lily)

Putting on a spectacular display in the late season garden, Nerine bowdenii ‘Albivetta’ (Guernsey Lily) is a bulbous perennial bearing large umbels of 6 to 12 trumpet-shaped, faintly-scented, white flowers, adorned with wavy-edged petals and sometimes a soft pink glow. Blooming for up to 4-6 weeks in late summer or early fall, the charming blossoms rise atop tall, erect stalks, before the foliage of strap-shaped rich green leaves emerges.

Putting on a spectacular display in the late season garden, Nerine bowdenii 'Albivetta' (Guernsey Lily) is a bulbous perennial bearing large umbels of 6 to 12 trumpet-shaped, faintly-scented, white flowers, adorned with wavy-edged petals and sometimes a soft pink glow. Blooming for up to 4-6 weeks in late summer or early fall, the charming blossoms rise atop tall, erect stalks, before the foliage of strap-shaped rich green leaves emerges. Robust and easy to grow, Guernsey Lilies are ideal accent plants for mixed borders, rockeries or cutting gardens.

  • 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 9
– 11

Heat Zones 8
– 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, 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