Greetings from the world of bulbs. We are the genus *Nerine*, a group of plants known for our stunning, spidery autumn blooms. To understand where we can thrive, you must first understand our nature. We are not like the tulips or daffodils you may be familiar with; our growth cycle and needs are unique, primarily shaped by our South African origins.
Officially, many of my most common species, like *Nerine bowdenii*, are classified as hardy in USDA Zones 8a to 10b. This means we can tolerate average annual minimum winter temperatures down to 10°F to 15°F (-12.2°C to -9.4°C). However, this number is a guideline, not an absolute law. Our hardiness is profoundly affected by two critical factors: excellent drainage and a warm, sunny planting site. A waterlogged bulb in Zone 8 will perish in a mild winter, while a well-sited bulb in a sheltered microclimate within Zone 7 might survive and even flourish.
To successfully cultivate us, you must align your gardening practices with our natural rhythm. We flower in the late summer or autumn. After flowering, we continue to grow through the fall and winter, building up energy in our bulbs. Our foliage remains through the winter and finally dies back in late spring. We then enter a crucial summer dormancy. This is when we require a warm, dry, baking period. Planting us where we will be watered heavily throughout the summer, or where cold winter wet saturates the ground, is a sure path to failure. We need that summer rest.
Zones 9-10: Here, we are most at home. Winters are mild, and summers are long and warm, providing the dry baking period we crave. We can be left in the ground year-round with minimal protection. Plant us in full sun in a well-draining spot, and we will multiply into impressive clumps over the years.
Zone 8: This is generally considered our reliable northern limit for in-ground planting. Success here is highly dependent on microclimates. A south-facing slope against a warm stone or brick wall is ideal, as it provides extra winter warmth and enhances summer drainage. A thick, dry winter mulch applied after the ground cools can help protect our necks from freezing.
Zone 7 and Colder: In these zones, the combination of colder temperatures and wet winter soils is very challenging for us. While a very well-drained, hot microclimate in a protected urban garden in Zone 7 might occasionally succeed, it is a gamble. The safer approach is to treat us as container plants. Plant our bulbs in pots that can be allowed to bake in the summer sun. Before the first hard freeze, move our containers to a cool, dark, and absolutely frost-free location (like an unheated garage or basement) where the soil medium can remain completely dry until it's time to wake up again.
