Greetings from the bulb! For us Nerines to truly thrive and create that stunning border you envision, you must first choose the right species for your USDA Hardiness Zone. We are primarily Nerine bowdenii, renowned for our hardiness and ability to survive winters in zones 7-10. In these areas, we can be left in the ground to multiply year after year. For gardeners in colder zones (down to zone 6), a thick winter mulch is our best friend. Other species, like the tender Nerine sarniensis (Guernsey Lily), require lifting in autumn in zones colder than 9 or being grown in containers. Our foliage emerges in spring, so we appreciate a location where this early growth is protected from late frosts.
To perform at our absolute best, we demand a specific set of conditions. Plant our bulbs in a location that receives full sun; this is non-negotiable for strong stem development and the most vibrant display of our pink, red, or white flowers. The single most critical factor for our success is drainage. We abhor having our bulbs sit in wet, cold soil, especially during our winter dormancy. Please plant us in a raised bed or on a slope if your soil is heavy clay. Amend the planting area with generous amounts of grit, horticultural sand, or fine gravel to create the free-draining environment we crave. A slightly alkaline soil pH is ideal, but we are adaptable as long as the drainage is exceptional.
The timing of your planting is crucial. For us Nerine bowdenii, the best time to plant our dry bulbs is in late summer or early autumn, just as we are about to begin our growth cycle. This timing allows us to establish roots before our spectacular floral display. When planting, please do not bury us deeply! The top third of our bulb's neck should remain exposed and peeking out above the soil surface. Plant us approximately 8 inches apart and 4-6 inches deep (measuring from the base of the bulb). This shallow planting allows the sun to bake our necks, which is essential for triggering flower bud formation.
Once established, we are delightfully low-maintenance. Our growth cycle is unique: we flower in the fall, after which our foliage develops and remains throughout the winter and spring, gathering energy from the sun. It is vital that you do not remove our leaves until they have yellowed and died back naturally, usually by mid-summer. This period of photosynthesis is how we store energy for the next season's bloom. Water us during active growth in spring if conditions are dry, but cease watering once our foliage begins to yellow. We are not heavy feeders, but a top dressing of potash in early spring can encourage even more prolific flowering. Left undisturbed, we will naturally multiply, gradually filling your border with our stunning, architectural presence.
