Nerine bowdenii

Nerine bowdenii, also known as Guernsey Lily or Jersey Lily, just like agapanthus, is native to South Africa. Its late flowering, in September-October in our climates, is absolutely magnificent. Its lightly scented flowers, with thin undulating petals, in a fresh and translucent pink, are gathered in umbels at the top of cylindrical stems while the foliage is still dormant. The foliage reappears after flowering, in the form of ribbon-like leaves arranged in small tufts that persist in winter. Well adapted to the Mediterranean climate, it is preferable to grow this lovely bulbous plant in pots that you will shelter in northern winters.

The Bowden's Nerine, named "Flower of the Cape" due to its origins, would have, according to legend, been brought to the Channel Islands during a maritime transport and would have stranded there, following the shipwreck of a Dutch ship carrying its bulbs. This herbaceous plant has a large bulb (3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in diameter), protected by a tunic and extended by a neck, and equipped with a few fleshy roots. It multiplies vegetatively by producing bulblets on the periphery of the mother bulb. In late summer, for 2 to 3 weeks, the plant produces flower stalks about 50cm (20in) tall, carrying 7 to 15 wide lily flowers, with narrow petals, undulated at the edges, in a sparkling pink, marked with a deeper pink midline. The flower's centre has long bright pink stamens. As soon as the flowering ends, ribbon-like leaves appear, about 20cm (8in) long and 1cm (0in) wide, arranged in two opposite rows. The leaves die at the end of spring and the bulb goes dormant until the end of summer. During this summer dormancy period, the bulb must be protected from excessive humidity. Nerine bulbs do not flower every year. Therefore, it is advisable to plant them in groups of 12 to ensure flowers every year.

Nerines make excellent cut flowers, with excellent vase life. In southern or coastal regions, they will accompany agapanthus and Amaryllis belladonna in well-drained soil beds in a hot and sunny exposure. All these plants can be used as a focal point on a terrace, in an exotic or contemporary style. Elsewhere, plant it in a large pot, on a sunny terrace in summer and store it for winter.

Important to know: Nerines are sensitive to polluted urban environments.

Bulb size: 12+