An easy care autumn flowering bulb, Nerines are best planted from summer through to winter in a well drained sunny position in a humus rich soil.
Nerines are available in a range of colours, are easy to grow, do not need to be lifted every year and are generally trouble free.
Being summer dormant Nerines are relatively drought tolerant and rarely require watering.
In Autumn when they burst into life they make a great cut flower as well as a colourful garden plant. Commonly called Guernsey lily or spider lily, plant these bulbs in large groups for a mass display .
How To Grow Nerines
Nerines also grow well in pots and make a good floral display in a container near the door or on a patio. These bulbs prefer to be left undisturbed, so only divide when you find they have become overcrowded.
They are bulbs that are best planted with the neck above ground level. A sunny position where they will get lots of good summer sun will ensure good flowering, bulbs planted in deep shade will rarely flower.
How to Plant Nerines.
- Choose a sunny position with a well drained humus rich soil. In very hot areas, a little afternoon sun will be beneficial.
- Dig the soil over well before planting.
- Add a little well rotted compost to improve soil structure.
- The best time to plant Nerines is in early summer, before they begin active growth.
- Space bulbs at around 10cm apart.
- The neck of the bulb should be just above ground level.
- Water in well.
- After a few years the bulbs will multiply to form a large clump. They do not need to be divided unless the quantity and quality of the flowers decreases.
Nerine Species and varieties
Different varieties flower from mid summer right through to late autumn, so a careful selection can provide wonderful flowers over a long period. N.bowdenii being late flowering, around April while N.fothergill major is an orange-red early flowering variety that can flower as early as February. Nerine flexuosa ‘Alba’ is an autumn flowering white nerine.
Lots of different species and cultivars, look for :
- Nerine bowdenii,
- Nerine bowdenii “manina forest” form,
- Nerine filamentosa,
- Nerine fothergillii major
- Nerine fothergillii
- Nerine kregii with its fascinating twisted leaves.
How to Grow Nerines in Containers.
Nerines will grow well in containers, they will need a good quality potting mix and a little extra fertiliser as soon as active growth commences and again after flowering.
The only differences between growing these free flowering bulbs in pots and tubs is that they will need a little more fertiliser and some extra water.
You will also need to divide them more frequently, however still only after 3 – 4 years.
Nerine Bulbs are available for sale from the following participating nurseries
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
2 Jacksons Hill Rd, Menzies Creek VIC 3159
Hundreds of different varieties of daffodils as well as other beautiful spring & autumn flowering bulbs for home gardeners. Free colour catalogues available. Tulips, Daffodils,Alliums, Freesias, Iris and many other bulbs.
www.daffodilbulbs.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au