Nerine Pearls of Cherry

Nerine Pearls of Cherry is a remarkably colourful variety of Guernsey Lily, with vibrant cherry red flowers in late summer. Its lightly scented flowers, with thin and wavy petals, are gathered in umbels at the top of stems that emerge from the ground while the foliage is still absent. The foliage reappears after flowering, in the form of ribbon-like leaves arranged in small tufts that persist in winter. It is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate and is best to grow this superb bulbous plant in pots that you can shelter in winter in colder regions.

Nerine Pearls of Cherry belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. The botanical species from which it originates is called "Cape Flower" due to its South African origins. According to legend, it was brought to the Channel Islands by ship and stranded there following the shipwreck of a Dutch vessel carrying its bulbs. This herbaceous plant has a large bulb (3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter), protected by a skin, 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 September-October, for 2 to 3 weeks, the plant produces flower stalks about 50 cm (20in) tall, each bearing 7 to 15 broad lily flowers 8 cm (3in) wide, with narrow petals, wavy at the edge, iridescent, and marked with a darker median line. The heart of the flower is adorned with long bright pink stamens. As soon as flowering is over, ribbon-like leaves emerge from the ground, about 20 cm (8in) long and 1 cm (0in) wide, arranged in two opposite rows. The leaves die at the end of spring and the bulb remains dormant until the end of summer. During this period of summer dormancy, the bulb must be protected from excessive humidity. Nerine bulbs do not flower every year. It is therefore advisable to plant them in groups of 12 to ensure flowers every year.

Nerines produce excellent cut flowers, which last several days in a vase. In southern regions, they can accompany agapanthus and Amaryllis belladonna in well drained beds in hot and sunny locations. All these plants can also be used as a focal point on a terrace, in an exotic or contemporary style. Elsewhere, plant them in a large pot on a sunny terrace in summer and store them for the winter.

Note: Nerines are sensitive to polluted urban atmospheres.