Planting Nerines

What are nerines?

Nerines (Nerine) are perennial bulbous plants native mainly to South Africa. Their foliage is often slender and strap-like, while their flowers appear on upright, leafless stems, giving them a particularly graceful appearance. They are prized for their ability to bloom late in the season, typically from September to November, when few other plants still offer beautiful flowers. The most common varieties come from the species Nerine bowdenii, which is very hardy and well-suited to our temperate climates.

The flowering of Nerine bowdenii

When to plant nerines?

Nerine bulbs should be planted in spring, ideally between March and May. This gives them time to establish roots before the summer heat arrives.

They can also be planted in autumn, especially in regions with mild winters, though this isn’t the ideal time.

Where to plant nerines?

Nerines particularly enjoy full sun locations, as they thrive in warmth and light. In a garden, they will be perfect in a well-exposed flower bed or at the foot of a wall that reflects heat. They grow well along borders, in rock gardens or along pathways.

Choosing the right planting substrate

Like many bulbs, Nerines prefer very well-draining, rich and light soils and are hardy when moisture doesn’t stagnate in winter.

Planting method

Plant them in full sun, 10 cm deep, spaced 8 cm apart, and add pure sand to the planting hole if necessary. Water very sparingly. In regions north of the Loire, it’s best to grow them in pots that can be sheltered during winter.

Nerine Bulbs

In the ground

• Prepare the soil: loosen the soil to a depth of about 20 cm. If needed, improve drainage with compost or gravel.
• Space the bulbs: bulbs should be planted in groups for a striking visual effect. Space them 10 to 15 cm apart from each other.
• Planting depth: unlike other bulbs, nerine bulbs should not be completely buried. Plant them with their top just peeking above the soil surface, or barely covered (no more than 2-3 cm).
• Firm gently and water: once planted, lightly firm the soil around the bulbs and water sparingly to help them establish, but avoid waterlogging.

In pots

Choose a pot with a diameter of at least 20 to 30 cm. If planting multiple bulbs in the same pot, opt for an even wider container, as it’s important to leave 10 to 15 cm of space between each bulb. The pot should be deep enough (at least 20 cm) to allow roots to develop properly. And ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.

• Recommended substrate: use a mix of universal compost blended with a good proportion of sand or perlite to ensure effective drainage. A good ratio is 2/3 universal compost to 1/3 sand.
• Planting depth: in pots, nerine bulbs should be planted with their top (the “neck”) visible at the substrate surface, or barely covered (1 to 2 cm maximum). Nerines dislike being buried too deeply.
• Spacing: if planting multiple bulbs in the same pot, leave 10 to 15 cm of space between each bulb to avoid competition between plants.
• Watering: water lightly after planting the bulbs, but avoid saturating the substrate. Excessive moisture is the main cause of bulb rot. Thereafter, allow the substrate to dry out between waterings, especially during summer.

Aftercare

Nerines require relatively little maintenance after planting, but a few simple steps will ensure a beautiful flowering display:

• Watering: after planting, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, especially in summer. Avoid excess moisture at all costs. Nerines tolerate drought well.
• Mulching: in winter, in colder regions, mulching can help protect the bulbs from frost, although they generally tolerate temperatures down to -10°C for Nerine bowdenii.
• Dividing clumps: nerines can remain in place for several years. If flowering declines, consider dividing the clumps after flowering or in spring, every 4 to 5 years.
• Fertiliser: nerines don’t need much fertiliser. A light application of flowering plant fertiliser in spring, just after the first shoots appear, may boost growth—but use sparingly.