Nerine bowdenii
by Sue Gray
Nerines are a genus of South African bulbs which are mostly autumn flowering. Whilst there are many species of nerines, the most hardy form is Nerine bowdenii which comes from the KwaZulu-Natal, Drakensburg and the midlands of the East Cape where the climate is quite severe. It was first introduced here in the early 20th century.
Flowers, ranging from deep pink to white, are borne on bare stems reaching to 60cms with up to 8 flowers, on quite long pedicels, forming an umbel.
Strap-shaped leaves are produced in spring and remain through summer until dying back in late summer. Common practise is for the bulbs to be planted so that the ‘nose’ is above the ground to allow for summer baking. This is certainly necessary if bulbs are grown in pots, but in the open ground they will also flower if planted just below the surface of the soil.
If you cut a bulb of Nerine bowdenii in half you can see two or even three embryonic flower buds. These develop sequentially, starting with the largest bud, over the forthcoming years.
There are many named varieties, one of the best known being ‘Stefanie’ which is a particularly pale pink form. Confusingly there is a variety of Nerine sarniensis named ‘Stephanie’ which is more mid pink in colour.
Whether you choose a named variety or the species, they are a most welcome and quite spectacular addition to the autumn flower garden.
Images courtesy of Sue Gray