Nerines take over the party!
No wonder gardeners call nerines ‘jewel lilies’. In the raised beds at the bo om of the garden a few shocking pink blooms startle you as you walk by and lure you in to take a closer look. Nobody told nerines that the party is over! Nerines come from southern Africa. There are about 25 species, although only a few are generally grown. The hardiest species, Nerine bowdenii, is often planted in co age gardens where its clumps often build into extensive colonies. They seem to thrive on neglect and it’s often when bulbs piggy-back on each other that a big splurge of their shocking pink flowers is produced. The lesson to be learned is that nerines don’t like to be overfed. Choose the sunniest, best-protected site you have. Nerines don’t like to compete.
If you’re growing your nerines in pots, the same applies. Only water regularly when bulbs are in growth – when bulbs are resting only water on demand. They don’t need feeding when they’re planted in the ground or in pots.
Plant with the nose of the bulb protruding from soil or compost. If you plant them too deep they may be shy to flower and if you bury them they may disappear forever.