Nerine undulata

Nerine undulata is less well-known than its cousin Nerine bowdenii. it is a South African bulbous plant whose flowers have delicate, pale pink, finely wavy petals. They are arranged in small clusters on long stems and stand out well from the foliage, in October and November. This species is almost evergreen, its foliage briefly disappears at the end of flowering and then regrows and can withstand temperatures as low as -6 to -8°C. Its lovely pale pink colour expands the range of colours in the garden in autumn. In our opinion, it has one of the most beautiful and longest flowering periods for this season. It will flower in a large pot on a sunny terrace for nearly two months. It is also a generous border plant in a Mediterranean garden. 

Nerines are bulbous plants native to South Africa belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. Nerine undulata (synonyms N. crispa N. pulchella), also known as the Undulate Nerine, naturally grows on partially shaded slopes to the east of the Cape Province in South Africa. Each bulb produces several flowering stems of 45 cm (18in) in height from October onwards, earlier or later depending on the climate. At the end of each stem, an umbel with a diameter of 5-6 cm (2in), composed of 8 to 12 thin, wavy-edged, slightly translucent, pale pink flowers. A cluster of prominent stamens occupies the centre of each flower. The ribbon-like leaves, about 15 cm (6in) long and 1 cm (0in) wide, emerge from the ground after flowering. They persist almost all year round, except in November. In severe summer drought, the foliage dries up, regrows in September, and will survive the winter. The bulb has a short period of rest during and just after flowering. Nerine bulbs do not flower every year. It is therefore a good idea to plant them in groups of 12 to ensure flowers every year. This plant multiplies over time by producing bulblets and likes to grow in dense groups. Its bulb should not be buried too deeply.

Nerines make excellent cut flowers, with excellent vase life. In southern regions, they can be planted alongside other South African bulbs such as Tulbaghia,  Agapanthus and Amaryllis belladonna in flower beds. All these plants can be used as focal points on a terrace, in an exotic or contemporary style. Elsewhere, plant them in a large pot on a sunny terrace in summer and store the pot over winter.

Note: Nerines are sensitive to polluted urban atmospheres.