did you know?

This South African native is named for the Greek mythological sea nymph, Nereis, and Athelston Bowden, the plantsman who introduced the species.

general maintenance:

Remove spent flowers and yellow foliage for a tidy appearance. In Zones 7 and colder, lift bulbs after foliage dies back and store in peat or sand in a dry, frost-free place until spring.

pests/diseases:

Slugs may cause damage to foliage.

controls:

Handpick slugs from foliage, or spread diatomaceous earth around plants.

how to sow/plant:

In spring, choose a sunny to partly shady, well-drained site, amend with compost or well-rotted manure, and set bulbs 3 inches deep and 6?12 inches apart. Do not water until growth begins.

water and fertilize:

Water thoroughly when flower spike emerges, maintain soil moisture, and apply a balanced all-purpose fertilizer biweekly until foliage is mature. Keep soil dry after flowering until the leaves die back and the bulbs can be lifted. Keep dry during dormancy.

garden hint:

Use containers of nerine to brighten a doorstep or patio in fall. Plant bulbs in a lightweight container, placing bulbs 2?3 inches apart with their necks just below the surface. (Nerine flowers best in containers when slightly crowded.) Place pot in the garden where watering can be controlled, and then move to the chosen location when the blooms appear.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Fragrant
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders
• Forcing
• Indoors
• Naturalizing
• Rock Garden
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

foam flower and coral bells in the woodland garden to extend the bloom season. Nerine is beautiful when planted in drifts or large patches in the garden.